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