Remarks from Julia Cothron

Good evening, please continue to enjoy your dinner. I’m Julia Cothron, board Chairman of the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition. And, you may know me in my ‘full-time role’ as Executive Director of the Mathematics and Science Center, here in Richmond.

The Coalition’s overarching mission is to achieve and sustain excellence in mathematics and science education by involving educational leaders, school administrators, and business and industry representatives as well as the public policy sector. Would all members of the Coalition please stand and be recognized. I’d like to offer my thanks to everyone on the Coalition for their continued support.

For the past several years, the Coalition has worked diligently to support the Mathematics Specialists program. After the Virginia Board of Education proposed the addition of a new teacher licenses for K-8 mathematics teacher’s specialists, we worked with Exxon Mobil Foundation and several colleges to form the Virginia Mathematics Teacher Specialists program.

We’ve been conducting Programs that Work recognition ceremonies since the spring of 2000, under the guidance of our former board chair, Governor Mark Warner. For the past several years, we’ve recognized programs that address math and science excellence in under-served populations. This year, we’ve changed our focus to highlight the success of Mathematics Specialists.

It is my privilege to introduce you to the Programs That Work 2006 Committee:

Cindy Balderson

Patricia Robertson

Maureen Robinson

Bill Haver

LaRay Mason

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Remarks from Senator John Watkins

Good evening. I’m Senator John Watkins and I also serve as the Board Chairman of the Virginia Math and Science Coalition. It is my privilege to welcome you here this evening as we celebrate “Programs that Work.” After dinner, we will meet math specialists from throughout Virginia who have made tremendous strides in the field of teaching mathematics.

But first, I’d like to introduce you to Virginia’s First Lady, Anne Holton. Anne has spent her career serving as an advocate for Virginia families and children serving as a judge in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and an attorney with the with the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society. We have no doubt that in her new role; she will continue to support issues that affect children.

It’s only appropriate that Anne is with us this evening. You see, her father Governor Linwood Holton was actually one of the founding members of the Virginia Math and Science Coalition in 1991. It was his vision and ability to organize and motivate the educational and business communities that allow us to be here this evening.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Anne Holton, first Lady of Virginia.

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Patricia Wright, representing the Virginia Department of Education, was also in attendance.