Congratulating Lisa Wilkins

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate my friend Lisa Wilkins--I used to know her when she was Lisa Morgan--on her retirement after 32 years of teaching in the Knox County school system.

Lisa started teaching in 1987 as a first-grade teacher at Karns Elementary School, and she held that position for 17 long years. After that, she took a job at Rocky Hill Elementary School as a teacher for third and fourth graders, then became a literacy coach for Chilhowee Intermediate School, Maynard Elementary School, and Sequoyah Elementary School. She then returned to teaching first graders for the last 8 years of her career at Rocky Hill Elementary School.

Lisa's favorite thing about teaching these little kids was the joy she could see on their faces, Madam Speaker, every day. She loved seeing their sweet little faces light up every time they entered her classroom, and she took great joy in seeing the proud looks on their faces when they finally understood a difficult concept.

Lisa had a positive impact on so many students and teachers, Madam Speaker, throughout her career. She had a special talent for mentoring new teachers and helping them find their footing, and that talent will surely be missed.

At a weak moment, she married her husband, Kent, and 31 wonderful years later, they have raised two daughters, Morgan and Madison, along with their two dogs, Baylee and Brentley. Kent adores his wife, as he should, and says she is the best mother, wife, and teacher anyone could ever dream of.

I congratulate Lisa on her retirement. I wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life. I can't imagine her retiring, since she is 1 year younger than I am.

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