By Ellis H.R. No. 339 77R6832 JKB-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 Thomas Young Foster, whose 50 years of outstanding service to the 1-3 Big Sandy Independent School District are most deserving of praise 1-4 and recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, 1-6 Mr. Foster received his master's degree from Sam Houston State 1-7 University and participated in the graduate program at the 1-8 University of Wisconsin; and 1-9 WHEREAS, This distinguished gentleman joined the staff of Big 1-10 Sandy Independent School District (ISD) in 1951, teaching math and 1-11 science on the high school and junior high school levels; in 1952, 1-12 he began coaching girls' basketball, a position he would hold for 1-13 nearly 30 years, during which he led his teams to win numerous 1-14 district titles, participate in 12 regional tournaments, and 1-15 compete in the state playoffs in 1961; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Named as principal of Big Sandy High School in 1966, 1-17 Mr. Foster demonstrated the integrity and fairness essential for 1-18 this demanding position; he was recognized for his exceptional 1-19 leadership abilities during his 22 years as principal, and was 1-20 promoted to superintendent of the school district, where he served 1-21 from 1988 to 1993; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Since returning to the classroom in 1993, Mr. Foster 1-23 again teaches classes to both high school and junior high school 1-24 students and leads an after school study program that helps youth 2-1 prepare for the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills exam; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Endeavoring to inspire a passion for learning and 2-3 equip young Texans with the knowledge and abilities necessary for 2-4 success is a truly commendable undertaking; during his five decades 2-5 of service to the Big Sandy ISD, Thomas Young Foster has earned a 2-6 special place in the hearts of many of his students and the 2-7 admiration and respect of his colleagues and friends, and it is a 2-8 privilege to join in honoring him at this time; now, therefore, be 2-9 it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-11 Legislature hereby honor Thomas Young Foster for his many years of 2-12 outstanding service as an educator and administrator in Big Sandy 2-13 ISD and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness 2-14 and success; and, be it further 2-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-16 prepared for Mr. Foster as an expression of high regard by the 2-17 Texas House of Representatives.