[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 83 (Monday, May 16, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H5006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING LISA WILKINS

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate my friend Lisa 
Wilkins--I used to know her when she was Lisa Morgan--on her retirement 
after 32 years of teaching in the Knox County school system.
  Lisa started teaching in 1987 as a first-grade teacher at Karns 
Elementary School, and she held that position for 17 long years. After 
that, she took a job at Rocky Hill Elementary School as a teacher for 
third and fourth graders, then became a literacy coach for Chilhowee 
Intermediate School, Maynard Elementary School, and Sequoyah Elementary 
School. She then returned to teaching first graders for the last 8 
years of her career at Rocky Hill Elementary School.
  Lisa's favorite thing about teaching these little kids was the joy 
she could see on their faces, Madam Speaker, every day. She loved 
seeing their sweet little faces light up every time they entered her 
classroom, and she took great joy in seeing the proud looks on their 
faces when they finally understood a difficult concept.
  Lisa had a positive impact on so many students and teachers, Madam 
Speaker, throughout her career. She had a special talent for mentoring 
new teachers and helping them find their footing, and that talent will 
surely be missed.
  At a weak moment, she married her husband, Kent, and 31 wonderful 
years later, they have raised two daughters, Morgan and Madison, along 
with their two dogs, Baylee and Brentley. Kent adores his wife, as he 
should, and says she is the best mother, wife, and teacher anyone could 
ever dream of.
  I congratulate Lisa on her retirement. I wish her all the best in the 
next chapter of her life. I can't imagine her retiring, since she is 1 
year younger than I am.

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