By:  Denton                                            H.R. No. 357
       73R6020 SAJ-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, William Crockett recently retired as superintendent
    1-2  of the Axtell Independent School District, bringing to a close a
    1-3  distinguished career in the field of education that spanned more
    1-4  than 30 years; and
    1-5        WHEREAS, After graduating from high school in Bonham in 1949,
    1-6  he attended Rice University where he earned renown as co-captain of
    1-7  the 1952 football team and as an All-Southwest Conference player;
    1-8  and
    1-9        WHEREAS, Mr. Crockett interrupted his education when he
   1-10  dutifully served his country during the Korean conflict as a member
   1-11  of the United States Army, serving for 18 months in Japan and
   1-12  Korea; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, After the war, he returned to Texas and earned
   1-14  bachelor's degrees in social studies and physical education from
   1-15  East Texas State University; he earned a master's degree in
   1-16  educational administration from that institution in 1961 and was
   1-17  awarded a superintendent certificate from Tarleton State University
   1-18  in 1977; and
   1-19        WHEREAS, During the 1956-1957 school year, Mr. Crockett
   1-20  served as teacher and coach with the Palestine Independent School
   1-21  District, and over the next 13 years taught and coached athletics
   1-22  at other schools in East Texas and the Waco area; and
   1-23        WHEREAS, Widely respected by his colleagues for his
   1-24  administrative and organizational abilities, he capably served as
    2-1  principal of Northcrest Elementary School from 1969 to 1973 and as
    2-2  principal of Connally High School from 1974 to 1976, advancing to
    2-3  become assistant superintendent of the Connally Independent School
    2-4  District in 1977; and
    2-5        WHEREAS, Mr. Crockett began his distinguished 14-year tenure
    2-6  as superintendent of the Axtell Independent School District in
    2-7  1978, and under his guidance the school district has experienced an
    2-8  exceptionally vibrant period of growth; Axtell Elementary School
    2-9  was built in 1990, and a football and track complex is under
   2-10  construction with plans to build a new high school as well; and
   2-11        WHEREAS, A dedicated professional, Mr. Crockett has
   2-12  diligently worked to improve the quality of education in his
   2-13  community and has been a life-shaping influence on his students; he
   2-14  has truly earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and
   2-15  the many teachers, students, and parents with whom he has been
   2-16  associated; now, therefore, be it
   2-17        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
   2-18  Legislature hereby congratulate William Crockett for his
   2-19  outstanding public service as superintendent of the Axtell
   2-20  Independent School District and extend to him best wishes for a
   2-21  happy and rewarding retirement; and, be it further
   2-22        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-23  prepared for Mr. Crockett as an expression of high regard by the
   2-24  Texas House of Representatives.