HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4700, by Representatives Linville, Quall, Morris and Ericksen

      WHEREAS, The very prestigious and highly coveted Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award was presented this past October to Meridian High School science teacher Patrick Preisinger; and

      WHEREAS, Affectionately and respectfully known as "Mr. P," Patrick Preisinger for 11 years has been teaching science at his high school in the Lynden and Everson communities of north-central Whatcom County; and

      WHEREAS, Only three teachers in all of Washington and only 120 teachers in the entire United States were recognized with receipt of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award; and

      WHEREAS, Mr. Preisinger and his wife, Robin Preisinger, who teaches English as a second language at Whatcom Community College, are the parents of two-year-old and six-year-old youngsters; and

      WHEREAS, As Meridian High School principal Bill Giller emphasized in the surprise school assembly broadcasting this well-earned professional recognition, Patrick Preisinger's chemistry- and physics-teaching endowment first attracts students and then keeps them thoroughly engaged in their academic pursuits; and

      WHEREAS, The Meridian principal was quoted in The Lynden Tribune newspaper stating that the nationally recognized teacher encourages students to enroll and endure in science because "he teaches it in such a way that the students have fun with it, are challenged, and really earn" the grades they receive for their work; and

      WHEREAS, This exemplary science teacher "explains it, too, so we can understand it.  But we also have fun with it, too," according to the testimonial of one of his students cited in The Bellingham Herald newspaper; and

      WHEREAS, Before he received Milken Family Foundation renown last fall, Patrick Preisinger in recent years received a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year award, a Pacific Science Center High School Teacher of the Year award, a Christa McAuliffe Award for Excellence, and a Woodring College of Education Professional Excellence Award; and

      WHEREAS, As the Teacher of the Year last year in the Northwest Educational Service District region that includes Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Snohomish Counties, Mr. Preisinger was also one of nine state nominees for the esteemed Washington State Teacher of the Year award; and

      WHEREAS, This estimable, inspirational educator has accompanied his Meridian High School students on worldwide field trips aimed at strengthening and diversifying their background and knowledge;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington honor and acclaim Patrick Preisinger for the work he does every single day to make science come to life for students at Meridian High; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Patrick Preisinger and his family, to the administration and Mr. Preisinger's other peers at Meridian High School, and to the district-office personnel and the Board of Directors of the Meridian School District.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         4700 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                            February 22, 2002.

                      _____________________________

                       Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk