[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 14, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO DR. DOTTY MERRILL

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a 
leader who has devoted more than three decades to Nevada's kids, its 
schools, and its educators: Dr. Dotty Merrill. For more than 35 years, 
Dr. Merrill has been an educator, an advocate, and a leader in fighting 
for the best possible opportunities for our students and teachers. She 
continues to be a leader as the executive director of the Nevada 
Association of School Boards, a role she has held since October of 
2006.
  Dr. Merrill graduated with a bachelor of arts from the University of 
Arkansas in Fayetteville, a master of arts in English from the 
University of Nevada, Reno, and finally with a doctorate in educational 
leadership, also from the University of Nevada, Reno. Nevada is truly 
blessed that Dr. Merrill has taken her education, experience, and 
passion and devoted it to our State's education system. Her work in the 
Washoe County School District was instrumental in developing a set of 
education standards that aligned with Federal standards and 
strengthened the 21st century education our kids need for a brighter 
future. She has continued the fight for our kids on behalf of the 
Washoe County School District at the Nevada Legislature where she has 
been a key voice for local educators as the Silver State has debated 
how best to improve our school system, train our teachers, and ensure 
that every child in Nevada has the tools, resources, and support they 
need to succeed in the classroom.
  I would like to thank Dr. Merrill for all she has done for our kids, 
our schools, and our teachers in the Silver State, especially in her 
commitment to improving classroom instruction, developing initiatives 
that ensure accountability, and fostering collaborative relationships 
among stakeholders that achieve the best results for our kids.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Dotty Merrill's 
lifelong commitment to education and service to the Washoe County 
School District, the city of Reno, and the State of Nevada. Thank you 
to Dr. Merrill for all that you have done and for your life's work 
fighting for a quality education for Nevada's children and standing up 
for the necessary support and resources for the Silver State's 
teachers.

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