TITLE: Congratulating Dr. Mike Bennett on his retirement as headmaster of All Saints Episcopal School in Lubbock.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Dr. Mike Bennett on his retirement as headmaster of All Saints Episcopal School in Lubbock.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Dr. Mike Bennett is retiring as headmaster of All Saints Episcopal School in Lubbock in May 2017, drawing to a close an outstanding career as an educator that has spanned more than half a century; and WHEREAS, After receiving a bachelor's degree from McMurry University and a master's degree from Abilene Christian University, Dr. Bennett earned a doctorate in education from Texas Tech; he worked as an English teacher, coach, bus driver, and drama coach for the Wylie Independent School District before joining Lubbock ISD in 1970; and WHEREAS, Dr. Bennett began his notable 35-year tenure as a counselor at Mackenzie Junior High, where he later became assistant principal and then principal; he served the district as director of School Public Relations from 1979 to 1986, and from 1989 to 2005, he held the office of principal of Monterey High School; in addition, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Texas Tech, Wayland Baptist University, and McMurry University; and WHEREAS, Headmaster of All Saints since 2005, this esteemed Texan has overseen the school during a period of rapid growth, with the student population increasing from 296 to 488 students and the staff nearly doubling; he has played a vital role in the addition of a high school and the creation of a $4.3 million endowment fund and two successful capital campaigns that have resulted in additional classrooms, offices, science labs, a fine arts center, and a high school gym; and WHEREAS, Under Dr. Bennett's leadership, the school's programs have earned myriad accolades in academics and fine arts, and its sports teams have won championships at the district, regional, and state levels; moreover, the high school was recognized as the top 1A school in the state by the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools in 2016; in honor of his exemplary service, the new high school building has been renamed the Bennett Academic Center; and WHEREAS, Dr. Mike Bennett's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have benefited generations of students in the South Plains region of Texas, and he may indeed reflect with pride on a career well spent as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Mike Bennett on his retirement as headmaster of All Saints Episcopal School and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Dr. Bennett as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Frullo Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2368 was adopted by the House on May 28, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House