WHEREAS, In 1963, Washington established the Teacher of the Year program, which honors an exceptional elementary and a secondary classroom educator; and
     WHEREAS, The program's objective is to increase awareness of a classroom teacher's contribution to education and provide unique teaching and learning opportunities for chosen teachers by establishing partnerships that support, educate, and honor regional and state teachers of the year; and
     WHEREAS, Students, parents, administrators, and school employees participate in the nomination process within their local school district; and
     WHEREAS, On October 16, 2002, Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson bestowed the Teacher of the Year Award upon Kenroy Elementary School teacher Véronique Paquette; and
     WHEREAS, A resident of East Wenatchee, Paquette is a 1987 graduate of Central Washington University who received her Master of Arts degree in reading specialty from Central Washington University in 1992; and
     WHEREAS, Paquette's teaching style exemplifies how successful and engaging a standards-based education can be for students and teachers; and
     WHEREAS, Paquette's NASA space project that she incorporated into her second grade curriculum at Kenroy is an innovative example of her ability to generate enthusiasm and knowledge in the world of science; and
     WHEREAS, Paquette uses science as a catalyst for creating an environment for all her students to learn and grow as individuals; and
     WHEREAS, In April 2003, Véronique Paquette will represent Washington in the National Teacher of the Year competition, to be held in Washington, D.C.;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize Véronique Paquette for her fifteen years of continued excellence, dedication, and perseverance in the teaching profession; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Washington Education Association, the Eastmont School District Superintendent, the Principal of Kenroy Elementary, and Véronique Paquette.