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.