H.R. No. 814
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor
1-2 Brenham High School art teacher Rob Parker for his extraordinary
1-3 contributions to art education in his community and state; and
1-4 WHEREAS, A graduate of Sam Houston State University,
1-5 Mr. Parker originally intended to pursue a career in commercial art
1-6 but eventually opted for a teaching career in Brenham, where his
1-7 wife has strong ties to the community; after returning to his alma
1-8 mater to pursue graduate training in art education, he accepted a
1-9 position in the spring of 1972 with Brenham Junior High School,
1-10 where his wife, Ruth, also was employed as a teacher of art and
1-11 language arts; and
1-12 WHEREAS, During more than a decade of teaching at the junior
1-13 high level, this gifted instructor helped many young students to
1-14 awaken to their own artistic potential; a popular instructor, he
1-15 has continued to build on his successful teaching career for the
1-16 past 12 years at Brenham High School, where he serves as head of
1-17 the fine arts department; and
1-18 WHEREAS, Now in his 23rd year of teaching with the Brenham
1-19 Independent School District, he dedicates much of his time outside
1-20 the classroom to promoting art education in the schools and to
1-21 showcasing the artistic achievements of local students as chair of
1-22 the Houston Livestock District Art Show, an event that enables
1-23 young artists to compete for scholarships and provides them the
1-24 opportunity to claim the coveted Grand Prix Award for their school;
2-1 and
2-2 WHEREAS, The show served as the site of a particularly
2-3 gratifying moment for Mr. Parker when a former student of his won
2-4 Best of Show for his artwork and received several scholarships,
2-5 including one to the University of Dallas that was the highest
2-6 financial award bestowed on a graduating senior that year; and
2-7 WHEREAS, Mr. Parker has repeatedly been recognized for the
2-8 outstanding leadership he has provided in the artistic and civic
2-9 arenas, and he was recently tapped to lend his considerable
2-10 expertise as the 1995 Region VI coordinator for the Visual Arts
2-11 Scholastic Event; and
2-12 WHEREAS, This accomplished professional is an active member
2-13 of the Texas Art Educators Association, to which he has furnished
2-14 valuable input in a variety of roles, including membership on the
2-15 executive council and council at large, and has chronicled the
2-16 achievements of its members as staff photographer for the
2-17 association's newsletter; and
2-18 WHEREAS, A devoted husband and father as well, he enjoys
2-19 spending time with his wife and two sons, Jonathan, a student at
2-20 Brenham High School, and Matthew, a freshman at nearby Blinn
2-21 College; despite his demanding schedule, he also finds time to
2-22 pursue his favorite pastimes--drawing, painting, and bass fishing
2-23 with his father; and
2-24 WHEREAS, Rob Parker has greatly benefited his students and
2-25 all the residents of his community through his exceptional
2-26 achievements as an artist and an educator and, in light of his
2-27 significant contributions to the betterment of his community, he is
3-1 indeed deserving of special praise and recognition; now, therefore,
3-2 be it
3-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
3-4 Legislature hereby commend Rob Parker for his exemplary
3-5 accomplishments in the field of art education and extend to him
3-6 sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it
3-7 further
3-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-9 prepared for Mr. Parker as an expression of high esteem by the
3-10 Texas House of Representatives.