First Lady Honored by Education Group

First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton accepted the National Education Assn.’s highest honor for her commitment to public education. NEA President Bob Chase cited her work for smaller class sizes, childhood immunizations and equal access to quality education for girls and students who have special needs. Chase told 9,000 delegates at the group’s representative assembly in Orlando, Fla.: “Hillary is a unique woman and a national treasure. . . . She is among our staunchest allies and dearest friends.” The first lady praised the NEA’s work and criticized voucher programs that allow some students to use public funds to attend private or parochial schools.