By Goolsby H.R. No. 554 76R10407 JBR-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 Laurel Ruff, a former science teacher at The Parish Day School, on 1-3 her receipt of a 1998 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Mrs. Ruff was selected to receive this award on the 1-5 strength of her proven dedication as a mentor, motivator, and 1-6 innovator in education, as well as her ability to make learning 1-7 exciting and fun; and 1-8 WHEREAS, The Teacher of the Year Program is designed to 1-9 recognize outstanding teachers throughout the U.S. and in areas 1-10 where Wal-Mart Stores or SAM'S Clubs are in operation; one teacher 1-11 is selected per store or club and is presented a $500 award to be 1-12 used in that teacher's classroom; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Chosen as the Dallas area Teacher of the Year, 1-14 Mrs. Ruff joins more than 2,200 teachers from around the country 1-15 who were selected for the 1998 award, and she is most deserving of 1-16 the honor as an educator who has provided inspiration and 1-17 encouragement to her students and colleagues; now, therefore, be it 1-18 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 1-19 Legislature hereby congratulate Laurel Ruff on her receipt of a 1-20 1998 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award and commend her on her 1-21 exceptional contributions to the field of science education in 1-22 Texas; and, be it further 1-23 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 1-24 prepared for Mrs. Ruff as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-1 House of Representatives.