TITLE: Commemorating the dedication of a Texas Historical Marker honoring George Washington Carver High School in Baytown.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the dedication of a Texas Historical Marker honoring George Washington Carver High School in Baytown.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, An official Texas Historical Marker honoring the proud history of George Washington Carver High School in Baytown is being dedicated at a ceremony on April 30, 2011; and WHEREAS, The culmination of a joint effort between the Baytown Carver High School Recognition and Preservation Society and the Harris County Historical Commission, the marker will allow visitors to learn more about the school's vital role in the education of African American children in Baytown; and WHEREAS, George Washington Carver High School traces its origins to the first public African American elementary school in the area, which was founded in 1921 and moved to a site at Carver and Oak Streets in 1924; the school was expanded to include students through the ninth grade in 1927 and was later named for the well-known scientist, educator, and inventor George Washington Carver; and WHEREAS, The campus became a four-year high school in 1941 and moved into a new building four blocks away in 1948; the students of Carver High excelled at both academics and extracurricular activities, earning their alma mater distinction as one of the top African American high schools in the state; through the years, the school won nine state band competitions and eight state sports championships sanctioned by the Prairie View Interscholastic League; and WHEREAS, The high school was closed in 1967 when the Baytown schools were desegregated; the building served as the home of George Washington Carver Elementary School until 1995 and was demolished in 2002, though a new Carver Elementary was opened nearby, carrying the school's name and its tradition of educational excellence into the 21st century; and WHEREAS, Over the course of its history, George Washington Carver High School figured prominently in the lives of many Baytown youth, and the dedication of this historical marker provides a fitting tribute to the essential role it played in educating several generations of city residents; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the establishment of a Texas Historical Marker on the site of George Washington Carver High School in Baytown and commend all those responsible for their efforts to bring this worthwhile initiative to fruition; and, be it further RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared for the Baytown Carver High School Recognition and Preservation Society and the Harris County Historical Commission as expressions of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Smith of Harris Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 886 was adopted by the House on April 7, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House