H.R. No. 749
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Educator Elma Jean Oden made a positive difference
in the lives of countless students for more than three decades; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Louisiana Tech University and the
University of Arkansas, Mrs. Oden was an inspiring reading teacher
who spent the last half of her career in the Corpus Christi
Independent School District, where she chose to serve in low
socioeconomic schools; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Oden challenged her students to succeed and
served as a powerful example for them with her well-known zest for
learning; one of her proudest accomplishments is sponsoring CCISD's
first Odyssey of the Mind middle school team, which went on to reach
the state competition; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her work in the classroom, Mrs. Oden
distinguished herself as a member of state committees charged with
reviewing textbooks and writing curriculum, and she gave several
presentations at reading and writing workshops; she retired in
1998, and she and her husband, John, moved to Rowlette to live near
their daughter, Johnette, and her family; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Oden invested her time and talents in
developing the Lone Star State's most precious resource, and in so
doing, she opened up the minds of many young people to the joys of
learning; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor Elma Jean Oden for her commitment to her
students and her achievements as an educator and extend to her deep
appreciation for her exemplary public service; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mrs. Oden as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Rios Ybarra
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 749 was adopted by the House on March
9, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House