Senate Resolution 91

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING KIANA PENDELTON, PRINCIPAL OF LAUREL MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS IN LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI, FOR BEING NAMED THE CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES CLASS OF Extraordinary Educators program 2023 INSPIRE AWARD WINNER.

WHEREAS, Curriculum Associates created the Extraordinary Educators Program to celebrate and connect Best in Class Educators from across the nation; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 Class of Extraordinary Educators includes an elite group of 30 K-8 educators and one administrator from across the country who illustrate growth and achievement via formal assessments, demonstrate classroom innovation and engagement practices for students, are evangelists for high standards and student achievement, and exhibit best-in-class use of i-Ready and/or Ready instructional resources designed by Curriculum Associates in their classroom; and

WHEREAS, Kiana Pendleton, Ph.D., was named as the Inspire Award Winner for the 2023 Class of Extraordinary Educators, as she personifies the ideals that Curriculum Associates set forth with the program; and

WHEREAS, Kiana Pendleton is a standout leader who understands the support and resources teachers and students alike need in order to succeed, and she works hard day-in and day-out to show her dedication to her school community; and

WHEREAS, one of Kiana Pendleton's favorite quotes is, "The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do," she sees herself as a dreamer who is dedicated to doing the work for children; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. Pendleton's leadership, Laurel Magnet School of the Arts reached the highest rating it had seen in over a decade during the 2018-2019 school year, an "A", and has maintained that rating since; and

WHEREAS, as being selected as the 2023 Class of Extraordinary Educators Inspire Award Winner, Kiana Pendleton has received recognition locally and nationally, she has gained access to a network of peers from around the country, earned professional development opportunities, and will have the opportunity to participate and present at the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize excellence in the accomplishments and remarkable service of educators of Kiana Pendleton's exceptional caliber, who have tirelessly and selflessly devoted their lives to imparting light and knowledge into the bright scholars of this state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Kiana Pendleton, Principal of Laurel Magnet School of the Arts in Laurel, Mississippi, for being named as the Curriculum Associates Class of Extraordinary Educators Program 2023 Inspire Award Winner and extend sincerest wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Kiana Pendleton and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.