By Lewis of Tarrant H.R. No. 695 77R11698 GMW-D 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.