[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5110-S5111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO CAROLYN ``JEANNE'' LAURENCE

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I recognize Jeanne Laurence, 
who will celebrate her retirement from Rapid City Area Schools this 
June after 23 years of service. In reaching her retirement milestone, 
Jeanne Laurence is finishing a career that pioneered computer usage 
within area schools in Rapid City, SD. Jeanne began her career in the 
real estate field in Wyoming, but after eight years moved to Rapid City 
and joined Stevens High School as a secretary. At Stevens she tracked 
student attendance, grades, and discipline issues. In 1985, the school 
district was not equipped with computers, so Jeanne performed all 
tracking and management functions by

[[Page S5111]]

hand. At the first opportunity to use a computer, Jeanne automated most 
of her tasks and encouraged administrators, teachers, and secretaries 
to take advantage of this new technology.
  Over the next several years, Jeanne earned a reputation among co-
workers for being an expert on technology solutions. The district 
quickly recognized Jeanne's expertise and asked her to develop computer 
classes for fellow staff members. Her knowledge of student management 
automation resulted in her appointment to the selection committee for 
the district's first student information system.
  Jeanne's experience and reputation led to her selection for a 
district-wide position in the newly formed Department of Information 
Technology. In her new role, Jeanne became the sole trainer for over 
1,500 employees. She developed technology training for new employees 
and introduced downloadable video clips to the training process. The 
groundwork provided by Jeanne Laurence in technical education and 
training has made a significant contribution to the professional 
development of the staff and to the educational success of the students 
in the Rapid City Area Schools. Her tireless efforts have brought great 
credit to her school district and to herself. Congratulations on a well 
deserved retirement.

                          ____________________