Watson Coleman: “I ask the Senate to join me today in honoring the public life of a Minnesota leader in public affairs and public…”

“I ask the Senate to join me today in honoring the public life of a Minnesota leader in public affairs and public education, Joanne Benson. Some of us will recognize her as a former lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, or as a Minnesota State Senator. But she is known to hundreds of teachers and children as an educator of distinction, imagination, and courage. This month marks her retirement as the Chief Education Officer of the Minnesota Business Academy charter high school in our capital city of St. Paul. Joanne Benson is considered by friends and colleagues to be one of the most conscientious and hardworking women in Minnesota--a considerable distinction. She was born in Le Sueur, an agricultural community, where she learned early the virtue of service to family and community. She and her husband, Robert, are the parents of two accomplished adult children, for whom education is both a cherished value and a professional calling. Her grandchildren are blessed to have the benefit of her loving example and guidance.”