SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 248

	WHEREAS, Texans place great value in the importance of 
education, for the future of the Lone Star State lies in the hands 
of our children, and they must be fully equipped with the skills 
needed to successfully meet the challenges that lie ahead in the 
21st century; and

	WHEREAS, Such success would not be possible without the 
commitment and enthusiasm exhibited by teachers such as those we 
are recognizing today, the 2003 honorees for the Texas Excellence 
Awards for Outstanding Teachers; and

	WHEREAS, These fine educators include the Gordon Appleman 
Teaching Award recipient, Larry Cure, of Martin High School in 
Arlington; three recipients of the Lillian B. Rhodes Teaching 
Award, Diane Davey, of Plano Senior High School in Plano, 
Irene Keller, of McCollum High School in San Antonio, and 
Shirley Pickton, of Lincoln High School in Dallas; three 
recipients of the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Teaching Award, 
Anne Hayden, of Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, Melva Manzke, of 
Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, and Charlene Serrette, 
of Cinco Ranch High School in Katy; the Glaxo Teaching Award 
recipient, Janie Head, of Foster High School in Richmond; the 
Mrs. Harold B. Myers Teaching Award recipient, Linda Raya, of 
Highland Park High School in Dallas; the Houston Texas Exes 
Teaching Award recipient, MaryKay Porter, of Carnegie Vanguard 
High School in Houston; the Verna Rogers Teaching Award 
recipient, Marcie McNeil, of Odom Elementary School in Austin; 
and the Carolyn and Mario Benitez Teacher Award recipient, 
Marjorie Ann Smalley, of Pillow Elementary School in Austin; and

	WHEREAS, All are highly regarded professionals who have 
earned recognition from their peers for their proven ability to 
motivate students, their instructional expertise, and the 
cooperative manner in which they work with their colleagues and 
members of the administration; and

	WHEREAS, Nominated by their principals, this year's 
honorees were selected from a large and talented field of 
entrants, and their receipt of this prestigious honor entitled 
them to attend the 2003 Conference on Texas Excellence on 
Education held at The University of Texas at Austin, where 
they were presented with a cash award of $1,250, a specially 
commissioned bronze sculpture, and a Compaq computer; and

	WHEREAS, Now in its 17th year, the Texas Excellence Awards 
program is jointly presented by The University of Texas at Austin 
College of Education and the Ex-Students' Association; as a 
recipient of a Texas Excellence Award, each of these educators 
has achieved a rare distinction that is deserving of legislative 
recognition; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby commend the recipients of the 2003 Texas 
Excellence Awards for Outstanding Teachers and extend to them 
sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness in the 
years to come; and, be it further 

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
these dedicated teachers as an expression of high regard from the 
Texas Senate.
                                                                      Barrientos




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 26, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate