By:  Gallego                                           H.R. No. 298
       73R2746 BNL-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The recent passing of Elmer Grounds has brought a
    1-2  great loss to the many friends and family of this esteemed
    1-3  gentleman; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Mr. Grounds devoted much of his life to improving
    1-5  educational opportunities for the children of Texas, and his
    1-6  efforts were much appreciated by the students, faculty, and parents
    1-7  whom he served; and
    1-8        WHEREAS, After serving as superintendent for the Alpine and
    1-9  Fabens independent school districts, this renowned educator and
   1-10  administrator was appointed state monitor of Presidio ISD; under
   1-11  his expert guidance, school trustees were able to bring the ailing
   1-12  district back to full accreditation; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, Mr. Grounds also brought his expertise and
   1-14  experience to the Laredo ISD, where he was serving as temporary
   1-15  superintendent at the time of his death, and to his recent
   1-16  positions as president of the Texas State Teachers Association and
   1-17  as a board member of Secondary Educators; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, A former Eagle Scout, this patriotic citizen served
   1-19  his nation in the United States Marine Corps and was a member of
   1-20  Rotary International for 36 years; his dedication to that service
   1-21  organization was reflected in his remarkable 27-year record of
   1-22  perfect attendance; and
   1-23        WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Mr. Grounds enjoyed the love
   1-24  and support of his wife, Betty Ann, and took great pride in the
    2-1  many accomplishments of his daughter, Cynthia Ann; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, Mr. Grounds will long be remembered for his numerous
    2-3  outstanding contributions to the educational system; a man of
    2-4  vision and integrity, he valiantly pursued his dream of giving all
    2-5  children an education that would prepare them for their leadership
    2-6  roles of tomorrow, and the schoolchildren of Texas will greatly
    2-7  benefit from his selfless work; now, therefore, be it
    2-8        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
    2-9  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Elmer Grounds and
   2-10  extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family:  to his wife,
   2-11  Betty Ann Grounds of Amarillo; to his daughter, Cynthia Ann
   2-12  Haggardy, also of Amarillo; to his sister, Sarah Johnson of Big
   2-13  Spring; to his brother, George Grounds of Stamford; and to all the
   2-14  friends and relatives of this fine gentleman; and, be it further
   2-15        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-16  prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
   2-17  House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
   2-18  Elmer Grounds.