10-R092

2010 -- S 2651

Enacted 03/04/10

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS’ STATE SENATOR JOAN M. MENARD ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

Introduced By: Senator Daniel P. Connors

Date Introduced: March 04, 2010

     WHEREAS, To the immense good fortune of the people of the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts and New England, Joan M. Menard chose a life path that integrated her vast

knowledge and inexhaustible energy with her aspirations for public service; and

     WHEREAS, Laying the perfect foundation to take on future challenges in both the

legislature and in the field of education, Senator Menard earned her Bachelor’s degree at

Bridgewater State College. She continued her education, receiving her Masters’ degree in

Education from Boston University and a Certificate of Advanced Study from Boston College; and

     WHEREAS, Beginning her career in education as an elementary school teacher for the

Town of Somerset, Senator Menard soon rose to the position of Director of Special Education for

the district; and

     WHEREAS, Recognizing her outstanding dedication and abilities, Senator Menard was

named as a delegate representing Massachusetts with the New England Board of Higher

Education in 2006, and in 2008, became the Chair of the New England Board of Higher

Education, a position she has held ever since; and

     WHEREAS, There is an old saying attributed to Lucille Ball that states, “if you want

something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.” The

saying could very well have been written about Senator Menard. In addition to her educational

profession and responsibilities, she decided to serve the people of the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts in the General Court; and

      WHEREAS, In 1978, The Honorable Joan Menard was elected to the Massachusetts’

House of Representatives, a position she held until 1999. Earning the respect of her colleagues in

the House, she served as Assistant Majority Whip and Majority Whip. In 1999, she was

successfully elected to the Massachusetts’ State Senate in a special election, where she has served

ever since, and in 2003, was named Majority Whip of the Senate; and

     WHEREAS, As the first woman to be named to a leadership position in the 223-year

history of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The Honorable Joan

Menard has broken gender-based barriers and opened doors for all women choosing to serve in

politics; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Joan Menard’s leadership and tireless devotion to the

citizens of Massachusetts and New England in both the legislature and as Chair of the New

England Board of Higher Education have earned her our unqualified admiration and respect, and

she will most assuredly be missed; now, therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby honors Senator Joan Menard as she concludes thirty years of devoted service in the

General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and retires as Chair of the New England

Board of Higher Education. We thank her for a job well done and extend our sincere wishes for

her continued health, happiness, and success; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to The Honorable Joan Menard.

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LC02140

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