R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Shirley Knox-Benton, the exceptional principal of
 1-2     Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Fort Worth, has deservedly been
 1-3     named the Texas High School Principal of the Year; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, The first female principal at Dunbar High School,
 1-5     Mrs. Benton has ably served in that capacity for the past nine
 1-6     years; during her impressive tenure, she has brought many
 1-7     innovative changes into being at the 47-year-old school,
 1-8     emphasizing the whole child concept while addressing the needs of
 1-9     each of her students; and
1-10           WHEREAS, This esteemed educator received a bachelor's degree
1-11     from Huston-Tillotson College and a master's degree from Texas
1-12     Woman's University, as well as a fellowship to attend Harvard
1-13     University, from which she received certification as an education
1-14     specialist; before joining Dunbar as its principal, she worked for
1-15     nearly 20 years as a classroom teacher, more than six years as a
1-16     counselor, and six years as an assistant principal; and
1-17           WHEREAS, Often recognized for her dedication to her
1-18     profession, Mrs. Benton was presented the U.S. Congressional Award
1-19     and a commendation from the governor of Pennsylvania and was named
1-20     one of 10 American Heroes in Education by Reader's Digest and the
1-21     Number One Woman in the Workplace by the City of Fort Worth; and
1-22           WHEREAS, She also contributes much of her time and energy to
1-23     many noteworthy and worthwhile professional and civic
1-24     organizations, in addition to being a devoted member of Shiloh
 2-1     Missionary Baptist Church; moreover, she has published a host of
 2-2     articles and given myriad presentations and, as a highly
 2-3     sought-after guest speaker, has appeared on numerous local and
 2-4     national television programs; and
 2-5           WHEREAS, For almost a decade, Paul Laurence Dunbar High
 2-6     School has benefited immeasurably from the guidance and wisdom of
 2-7     Shirley Knox-Benton, and it is indeed a privilege to commend this
 2-8     exemplary educator at this time; now, therefore, be it
 2-9           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-10     Legislature hereby congratulate Shirley Knox-Benton on being named
2-11     Texas High School Principal of the Year and extend to her sincere
2-12     best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
2-13           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-14     prepared for Mrs. Benton as an expression of high regard by the
2-15     Texas House of Representatives.
                                                            Lewis of Tarrant
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 695 was adopted by the House on April
         4, 2001, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House