SR 1738

                                         SENATE RESOLUTION No. 1738
 A RESOLUTION congratulating and commending the 2025 and 2026 Kansas Association of Independent and Religious
  Schools award recipients for excellence in teaching, dedication to students and leadership in school communities
                  and for providing significant contributions to education in the state of Kansas.
         WHEREAS, The Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools (KAIRS) supports and
represents independent and religious schools across the state of Kansas and is committed to promoting excellence in
education; and
          WHEREAS, KAIRS recognizes outstanding educators through its annual awards program, which honors
individuals who demonstrate excellence in instruction, dedication to students and leadership within their school
communities, with the Distinguished Teacher award; and
          WHEREAS, The program highlights the vital contributions of independent and religious school educators,
fostering a network of exemplary teachers who positively impact student achievement and the teaching profession;
and
          WHEREAS, Outstanding teachers serve as mentors, role models and leaders who inspire students to achieve
their full potential and contribute to the strength and vitality of a state and the nation; and
          WHEREAS, In Kansas, these outstanding teachers are the 2025 and 2026 KAIRS Distinguished Teacher
award recipients; and
          WHEREAS, The 2025 KAIRS Distinguished Teacher award recipients are: Catherine Bowman, St. Patrick
Catholic School, Chanute; Amanda Cook, St. John's Catholic School, Hanover; Becky Hillman, St. Paul Lutheran
School, Cheney; Mary Jacobs, Holy Spirit Catholic School, Overland Park; Lori Keller, Holy Family School, Great
Bend; Sherri Newlin, Wichita Collegiate School, Wichita; and Renee Schmeiser, Heartland Christian School, Colby;
and
          WHEREAS, The 2026 KAIRS Distinguished Teacher award recipients are: Allison Douglass, St. Dominic
Catholic School, Garden City; Jennie Helget, Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior and Senior High School, Hays;
Beth Jacobs, Holy Rosary School, Overland Park; Margie Krzesinski, Hope Lutheran School, Shawnee; Christina
Schmidt, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Wichita; and Lona Donley, Heartland Christian School, Colby: Now,
therefore,
        Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: That we congratulate and commend the 2025 and 2026
Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools award recipients for excellence in teaching, dedication to
students and leadership in school communities and for providing significant contributions to education in the state of
Kansas; and
        Be it further resolved: That we express our sincere appreciation to these outstanding educators and honorees
who go above and beyond what is expected, and we extend our best wishes for their continued success and happiness;
and
        Be it further resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate shall send 13 enrolled copies of this resolution to
Senator Argabright.
Senate Resolution No. 1738 was sponsored by Senator Mike Argabright.
I hereby certify that the above RESOLUTION originated in the SENATE, and was adopted by that body
__________________________________________
                                                                   ___________________________________________
                                                                                          President of the Senate.
                                                                   ___________________________________________
                                                                                          Secretary of the Senate.