(JUNEAU) - Former Education Commissioner, Shirley Holloway thought she was just stopping in to visit an old friend when she entered Sen. Con Bunde's (R-Anchorage) office Thursday, but it was far from being a simple visit.

Sen. Bunde along with Sen. Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks) and Sen. Gretchen Guess (D-Anchorage), surprised the former commissioner by presenting her with a citation honoring her for more than three decades of service to Alaska in the field of education, seven of which were as Alaska's first female Commissioner of Education and Early Development.

"The education of our children in this State is paramount," said Bunde. "And it is only with tireless dedication and service, like that given to Alaska by Commissioner Holloway, that our educational goals in this State will be realized."

"I was very pleased to be a part of honoring such a great Alaskan, who has had such a tremendous positive impact on our State," said Wilken. "I look forward to her continued service, guidance and friendship for many years to come."

Surprising Commissioner Holloway took a bipartisan effort, with Sen. Guess keeping the commissioner, who is also a friend and mentor, occupied in the hallway while Bunde and his staff prepared for the presentation.

"After more than 30 years in Alaska working as a teacher, principal, professor, superintendent, consultant and commissioner, Shirley has been a mentor and leader to so many Alaskans," said Guess. "Her contributions to education in Alaska will continue to be felt for generation to come."

Holloway continues to serve the educational needs of Alaska as a member of the Alaska State School Board. She recently returned for touring the State with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Rod Paige. It was a trip Holloway believes gave the Secretary a real "education" about the challenges faced by schools in rural Alaska.

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