ENROLLED
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 176
BY REPRESENTATIVE JEFFERSON
A RESOLUTION
To commend Dump and Hazel Hatter upon the celebration of sixty years of marriage and
their notable careers in education.
WHEREAS, Dump Edward Hatter was born on January 12, 1932, in Haynesville,
and after his graduation from high school, entered Southern University and Agricultural and
Mechanical College in Baton Rouge; he joined Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the Army
R.O.T.C.; and
WHEREAS, Hazel Theresa Chretien was born on June 23, 1932, in Lake Charles,
the sixth of seven children, and after her graduation from high school, entered Southern
University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in Baton Rouge where she met Dump
Hatter in 1950; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hatter earned a bachelor of science degree from Southern
University in 1952 with a major in social studies and a minor in English; he was
commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army with the transportation corps and
began his military career at Fort Eustis, Virginia; Lieutenant Hatter served twenty-one
months in the Korean Conflict, a tour of duty for seven months in Greenland, and was
honorably discharged in 1954; and
WHEREAS, Hazel Hatter earned a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education
from Southern University in 1954; the couple's love endured war and extended periods of
separation: on June 19, 1955, they were united in holy matrimony at Sacred Heart Catholic
Church in Lake Charles; and
WHEREAS, both Dump and Hazel embarked upon distinguished careers in the field
of education; Mr. Hatter taught biology at Homer Colored High School in Claiborne Parish
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and was a teaching principal at Friendship Elementary School while Mrs. Hatter taught
kindergarten through third grade in Calcasieu Parish; and
WHEREAS, the couple was unwilling to continue to work in separate parishes; Hazel
Hatter took a job in Claiborne Parish as a supervisor for the Claiborne Parish Head Start
summer program for two summers; she was a first grade teacher at Woodson Elementary in
Haynesville and Haynesville Elementary for twenty-six years; and
WHEREAS, Dump Hatter served as principal of Pineview High School in 1970 and
Athens High School in 1974; Mr. Hatter was appointed supervisor of instruction and served
until his retirement in June of 1988; in his role as supervisor, Mr. Hatter administered the
substance abuse program, the Professional Improvement Program, and adult education
classes; he received an Educator of the Year Award in Claiborne Parish and a Shreveport
Times Educator of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, after his retirement, Dump Hatter's dedication to the children of
Claiborne Parish did not wane; he served as interim principal at Haynesville Junior High
School, counselor at Haynesville High School, and as a substitute teacher at Homer High
School; he earned the distinction of being an employee of every public school in Claiborne
Parish during his career; and
WHEREAS, Dump Hatter was an educator for thirty-three years and Hazel Hatter
was an educator for thirty years, and both earned master of education degrees and thirty plus
certification; and
WHEREAS, the religious and political activities of Claiborne Parish have been
enhanced by the service of the Hatters; Hazel Hatter was an instructor of religious classes
for beginners and is an active member of the Ladies Altar Society; Hazel and Dump Hatter
are Eucharistic ministers and lectors, and both are recipients of the Diocesan Medal of Honor
in recognition of faithful service in the local church; and
WHEREAS, Dump and Hazel Hatter are members of the Retired Teachers
Association and the Community Coordinating Council; Mr. Hatter was vice chairman of
North Claiborne Hospital Service District One and remains a member; is chairman of the
Friendship Community Cemetery Committee; and served as interim councilman for District
3 of the Haynesville City Council; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Hatter also sings and has performed locally and in other venues in
the United States; he has been featured on television and in newspaper articles, and in the
2004-2005 school year, he returned to the classroom to teach vocal music at Summerfield
High School; and
WHEREAS, while working tirelessly to educate the children of Claiborne Parish,
Dump and Hazel Hatter raised a family of their own; they are the proud parents of son Leon
Edward Hatter and daughter-in-law Nancy, and daughters Valerie Ann Hatter-Tyus and son-
in-law Andrew, Evette Marie Hatter Miles and son-in-law Maurice, and Willia Margaretta
Hatter; and upon the occasion of their sixtieth wedding anniversary, it is fitting to honor
Dump and Hazel Hatter for dedicated and distinguished service to the children of Louisiana
through their contributions in education.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby extend heartiest congratulations to Dump and Hazel
Hatter upon the celebration of sixty years of marriage; does hereby commend them for their
long and fruitful careers in education; and does hereby express best hopes for many happy
years ahead.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to Dump and Hazel Hatter.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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