[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 177 (Thursday, October 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1018-E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING JANICE MCDONALD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2023

  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Janice McDonald for 
her decades of service to the Cherry Creek School District, City of 
Aurora, and surrounding communities.
  A Colorado native, Janice graduated from East High School in Denver 
before moving with her husband to Aurora in 1957. All five of their 
children and fourteen of their grandchildren attended Cherry Creek 
Schools.
  Over the years, Janice dedicated much of her time and energy to 
giving back to children and her community. At Ponderosa High School, 
she served as the Vice President and

[[Page E1019]]

President of the Parent Teacher Community Organization and represented 
the school on the Parents Council. Janice also served on the School 
Accountability Committee and started several multi-cultural programs at 
Prairie Middle School. Each month, she would offer a presentation to 
students about diverse cultures, countries, and industries. She also 
developed a student-adult mentoring program specifically geared toward 
young African American students.
  In November 2015, Janice was elected to the Cherry Creek School Board 
of Education as the first African-American woman to serve in that role. 
As the representative for District B, she prioritized strengthening 
community involvement and focused on closing the achievement gap for 
all students. With her vast personal and professional experience in the 
district, she wanted to give back to a community that she believed had 
served her children and family well.
  On October 9, 2023, Janice delivered final remarks during her final 
board meeting as a Cherry Creek School District Board Member. In part 
they read:

       ``In retrospect, I have been afforded the opportunity to 
     serve eight years. An opportunity that I haven't taken for 
     granted. I truly believe to whom much has been given, much is 
     required. I have been committed. When my five children came 
     through the district I wanted the best for them, now my 
     grandchildren. I want the best for them as well, but beyond 
     my personal desires, I have truly wanted the best for all 
     students.'' Her parting advice was to ``Let the agenda always 
     support what's best for the children in every deliberation.''

  Janice's colleagues also offered remarks in honor of her service and 
to pay tribute to her unwavering focus on the children and her well-
known and often-asked line, ``How are the children?''
  I commend and thank Janice for her decades of service to the 
community, including eight years of service to the Cherry Creek School 
District. As she begins her retirement, may Janice's experience and 
commitment to service leave a lasting legacy on the students, faculty, 
and the Board in the years ahead.

                          ____________________