78S40284 BJM-D

By:  Stick                                                        H.R. No. 60 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Dr. Marcus Nelson is leaving his post as principal 
of John B. Connally High School in June 2004 to take on a new 
challenge as director of secondary education for the Austin 
Independent School District; and
	WHEREAS, A beloved educator and accomplished scholar, Dr. 
Nelson, although still under the age of 30, has already earned three 
graduate degrees from Abilene Christian and Texas A&M universities, 
including two master's degrees and a doctoral degree; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson began his remarkable career as a 
fifth-grade teacher, and since that time he quickly moved up the 
educational ladder, becoming principal of Pflugerville's John B. 
Connally High School three years ago; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout his outstanding tenure at the school, Dr. 
Nelson has served the student body with the utmost pride and 
distinction, and his prowess and vision have helped the school to 
realize a number of important goals; in his first year as principal, 
the school's dropout rate decreased dramatically based on a 
grassroots initiative led by this dedicated educator, and in 2002 
Connally High School was named a "recognized" campus by the Texas 
Education Agency; and
	WHEREAS, Celebrated for his unique and vibrant style of 
leadership, Dr. Nelson has also earned national recognition as a 
highly sought-after motivational speaker, captivating audiences 
across the United States with his energy, passion, and 
inspirational message; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson's sterling record of service has 
transcended the classroom; an active member of Omega Psi Phi 
Fraternity, Inc., who has further distinguished himself on the 
board of Network Ground Zero, Inc., a summer youth program, Dr. 
Nelson has continually given of his time and talents to better his 
community; and
	WHEREAS, His presence will be greatly missed in the halls of 
John B. Connally High School, but Dr. Marcus Nelson's new position 
will undoubtedly provide him with even more opportunities to help 
guide a greater number of students on the path to building a happy 
and productive future; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby congratulate Dr. Marcus 
Nelson on his selection as the director of secondary education for 
the Austin Independent School District and extend to him sincere 
best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Dr. Nelson as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.