H.R. No. 1038

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Morris Johnson of Huntsville has been named the Walker County Citizen of the Year for 2008; and

WHEREAS, A native of Corsicana, Mr. Johnson attended G. W. Jackson High School, where he developed an abiding interest in chemistry, geometry, and physics that was inspired by his teacher, A. C. Phillips; he graduated, and his desire to continue his education was supported by a four-year academic scholarship from the Collin Street Bakery; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson earned his bachelor's degree from Huston-Tillotson University in 1963, and he went on to receive a master's degree in chemistry and physics; though not planning to be a teacher, he discovered his love for the work while instructing adults and educators at a national science foundation; and

WHEREAS, He was soon hired by the Huntsville Independent School District as a science teacher and basketball coach; former superintendent Mance Park became his mentor and role model, guiding Mr. Johnson through his first year, and he later accepted a position at Huntsville High School as a science teacher; and

WHEREAS, An outstanding educator, Mr. Johnson made a positive difference in the lives of many students by making earth science and physics classes fun, and his influence led a number of his students to develop higher education goals and pursue careers in occupations related to math and science; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson also served the school district as an administrator; as principal of Samuel W. Houston Elementary School, he strove to learn every child's name within the first six weeks of each school year, and his exceptional ability to develop a personal rapport with his students and his compassion for those who struggled contributed to his success; and

WHEREAS, His administrative accomplishments also include the establishment of an on-campus bookstore to furnish essential school supplies to students, regardless of their economic standing; under his leadership, the school received the state's highest recognition, the Texas Successful Schools Award; and

WHEREAS, Admired and beloved by his staff and students, Mr. Johnson was honored for his work in 2001, when the Houston Elementary School cafeteria was named in his honor; his professional efforts also earned him the title of Educator of the Month for HISD in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson retired from teaching in 2002, and since that time, he has devoted his talent and energy to his community; he is a member of the boards of the Walker County Housing Authority, Tri-County Mental Health Mental Retardation Services, the Walker County Heritage Foundation, and Huntsville's Promise; the boards of the First Missionary Baptist Church, the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Memorial Hospital, and First State Bank also benefit from his service; and

WHEREAS, The vitality of a community depends in large measure on the active engagement of its citizens, and Morris Johnson stands at the forefront of those individuals who are making a positive difference in their communities through their dedication and leadership; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Morris Johnson on his selection as the 2008 Citizen of the Year by the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce 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.

Kolkhorst

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1038 was adopted by the House on April 2, 2009, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House