Recognizing Janice Mcdonald

Floor Speech

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Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Janice McDonald for her decades of service to the Cherry Creek School District, City of Aurora, and surrounding communities.

A Colorado native, Janice graduated from East High School in Denver before moving with her husband to Aurora in 1957. All five of their children and fourteen of their grandchildren attended Cherry Creek Schools.

Over the years, Janice dedicated much of her time and energy to giving back to children and her community. At Ponderosa High School, she served as the Vice President and President of the Parent Teacher Community Organization and represented the school on the Parents Council. Janice also served on the School Accountability Committee and started several multi-cultural programs at Prairie Middle School. Each month, she would offer a presentation to students about diverse cultures, countries, and industries. She also developed a student-adult mentoring program specifically geared toward young African American students.

In November 2015, Janice was elected to the Cherry Creek School Board of Education as the first African-American woman to serve in that role. As the representative for District B, she prioritized strengthening community involvement and focused on closing the achievement gap for all students. With her vast personal and professional experience in the district, she wanted to give back to a community that she believed had served her children and family well.

On October 9, 2023, Janice delivered final remarks during her final board meeting as a Cherry Creek School District Board Member. In part they read:

``In retrospect, I have been afforded the opportunity to serve eight years. An opportunity that I haven't taken for granted. I truly believe to whom much has been given, much is required. I have been committed. When my five children came through the district I wanted the best for them, now my grandchildren. I want the best for them as well, but beyond my personal desires, I have truly wanted the best for all students.'' Her parting advice was to ``Let the agenda always support what's best for the children in every deliberation.''

Janice's colleagues also offered remarks in honor of her service and to pay tribute to her unwavering focus on the children and her well- known and often-asked line, ``How are the children?''

I commend and thank Janice for her decades of service to the community, including eight years of service to the Cherry Creek School District. As she begins her retirement, may Janice's experience and commitment to service leave a lasting legacy on the students, faculty, and the Board in the years ahead.

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