SENATE MEMORIAL 74

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING KENDRA A. MORRISON, A TWENTY-YEAR ADVOCATE FOR NEW MEXICO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

     WHEREAS, Kendra A. Morrison is an advocate whose knowledge and expertise concerning special education and federal and state laws applicable to special education many New Mexicans have relied upon; and

     WHEREAS, Kendra A. Morrison has worked tirelessly as an advocate to secure systemic changes to afford children with special needs the best possible programs and services; and

     WHEREAS, many New Mexico parents and children have relied upon Kendra A. Morrison to act as a representative to inform them of their educational rights and assist them in negotiating and resolving disputes with school districts; and

     WHEREAS, in her work advocating for students with disabilities in the educational system, Kendra A. Morrison has assisted these students in avoiding involvement in the juvenile justice system; and

     WHEREAS, Kendra A. Morrison's wisdom, guidance and expertise has enabled parents and students in New Mexico to become empowered to advocate for their point of view, services and needs; and

     WHEREAS, being on the front line has placed Kendra A. Morrison in intense, complex situations in which she has embraced the best interests of students and the community; and

     WHEREAS, no matter the obstacles, Kendra A. Morrison has been determined never to stop until a solution is found; and

     WHEREAS, Kendra A. Morrison has been an advocate who has served the state's parents and children with special needs in all of these ways and many more ways for the past twenty years;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Kendra A. Morrison be recognized and honored for her selflessness and outstanding service to the community; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Kendra A. Morrison.

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