SENATE RESOLUTION

                             2000-8768

By Senator Heavey

     WHEREAS, The people of Washington have lost Kay Douglas, a wonderful daughter and sister, a faithful and loving wife, a proud and devoted mother and grandmother, a true friend, a respected colleague, and an outstanding teacher; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas graduated from Mills College where she majored in Art History.  She earned a Teaching Certificate, Special Education credentials, and a Master of Education degree; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas worked at the Oregon Women=s Penitentiary, the Seattle Juvenile Center, Madison Middle School, and Sealth High School where she was the Head of the Department of Special Education; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas gave 28 years of her life serving her community as a teacher and role model for all who knew her; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas continually focused on her vision for students with disabilities to succeed to the best of their abilities; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas was gifted with her ability to instruct and relate effectively as a positive role model to students with significant behavioral deficits, and was effective in maximizing their success, enabling them to achieve their potential; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas has been instrumental in program development, demanding high expectations of herself, her co-workers, and her students while recognizing and valuing the unique qualities of each; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas was a master of creative teaching techniques and was able to develop an individualized program for every student and then give them individual attention, creating the best opportunities for her students; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas tirelessly served as an advocate for her students as she helped school administration and staff to understand them and build support systems for them at school and in the community, and by going beyond the classroom for her students, she pioneered efforts to connect young adults with disabilities with the community and adult service agencies; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas successfully recognized the potential in people and pulled the best from all of us, often helping lift our sights to see that our best was more than we believed it was as she encouraged and supported us in achieving our goals and celebrated with us; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas has been successful in raising the expectations and opportunities of students with disabilities beyond those that society and community would otherwise have offered; and

     WHEREAS, the contributions of Kay Douglas will be on going; and

     WHEREAS, Kay Douglas was an inspiration to all in her courage during her last 18 months, showing determination, grace, and dignity;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate hereby recognizes the life accomplishments of Kay Douglas and her contribution to the countless number of people who came in contact with her and have changed for the better; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate immediately transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of Kay Douglas.