H.R. No. 861

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Merritt Johnson has been named the Kilgore College Ex-Teacher of the Year for 2008; and

WHEREAS, A native of Longview, Mr. Johnson attended Texas A&M University; he went on to work for Otis Engineering Corporation and to teach at Hallsville High School; in 1965 he began teaching mathematics and geology at Kilgore College, and two years later he transferred to the Technical Vocations Department; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson became chair of the Technical Education Department in 1976 and, four years later, division director of the Technical Vocational Department; he went on to distinguish himself as director of Adult Vocational Education and director of Continuing Education; by the time of his retirement in 1995, he was interim dean of Occupational Education; and

WHEREAS, In spite of his many professional responsibilities, this accomplished Texan has also found time to give back to his community as a member of First Baptist Church of Longview and the Lions Club; the recipient of a life membership in the Texas Lions Camp, he was also named a Texas Lions Foundation Fellow and Lion of the Year; and

WHEREAS, The dedication and skill of educators like Mr. Johnson have benefited generations of Texas students, and he may indeed take pride in this recognition of his longtime commitment to excellence in his profession; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Merritt Johnson on his selection as the 2008 Kilgore College Ex-Teacher of the Year 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 Mr. Johnson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Merritt

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 861 was adopted by the House on March 26, 2009, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House