By Pitts                                               H.R. No. 204
         77R5357 MJS-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Karen Mendenhall has received a Palmer Independent
 1-2     School District (ISD) Teacher of the Year award, and this
 1-3     noteworthy achievement is indeed worthy of special legislative
 1-4     recognition; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, This admirable educator received a bachelor's degree
 1-6     from Ball State University in 1977 and went on to attain a master's
 1-7     degree in special education in 1980; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, She began her professional career in Indiana and
 1-9     served with distinction at several schools before taking a position
1-10     in 1998 as a special education teacher at Palmer Middle School,
1-11     where she works with learning disabled students; and
1-12           WHEREAS, Using an enthusiastic and innovative approach to
1-13     teaching, Ms. Mendenhall has diligently strived to create an
1-14     enriching and rewarding environment while continuing to meet the
1-15     diverse needs of all of her students; and
1-16           WHEREAS, In addition, she donates her time and considerable
1-17     talents to numerous civic, professional, and philanthropic
1-18     organizations and encourages members of the community to take an
1-19     active role in educating students and helping children to develop
1-20     leadership and life skills and explore new interests; and
1-21           WHEREAS, Throughout her outstanding tenure, Ms. Mendenhall
1-22     has been a devoted educator and role model for her students and
1-23     fellow faculty members; moreover, with her commitment, vision, and
1-24     wisdom, she is succeeding in preparing the young people of our
 2-1     state for the myriad challenges and opportunities that lie ahead
 2-2     and has proven herself most deserving of this significant honor;
 2-3     now, therefore, be it
 2-4           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-5     Legislature hereby commend Karen Mendenhall on being selected as a
 2-6     Palmer ISD Teacher of the Year and extend to her sincere best
 2-7     wishes for success and good fortune in her future endeavors; and,
 2-8     be it further
 2-9           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-10     prepared for Ms. Mendenhall as an expression of high regard by the
2-11     Texas House of Representatives.