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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, W. T. Johnston, head football coach at Newton High |
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School, has distinguished himself as an exemplary mentor who has |
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inspired his players with his leadership and his courageous |
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determination in battling a serious medical challenge; and |
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WHEREAS, Coach Johnston's most recent gridiron success came |
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during the 2018 season, when he guided his team to the University |
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Interscholastic League 3A Division 2 state championship; this |
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marked the second consecutive state title for the Eagles, who have |
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tallied a perfect record over the past two seasons, winning 30 games |
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in a row; moreover, Newton was the 3A Division 2 runner-up in 2014; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, These accomplishments are all the more remarkable |
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given that Coach Johnston has dealt with chronic health issues for |
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many years and has been afflicted with a rare life-threatening |
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condition, graft versus host disease, since 2015; on several |
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occasions, he has been told that he only has months to live, but he |
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has persevered, continuing to fulfill his duties as head coach; and |
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WHEREAS, Throughout his ordeal, this valiant Texan has |
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benefited from the support of those around him; his wife, Debbie, |
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has played an important part in his fight against the disease, and |
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area residents have generously contributed to a fund to offset his |
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medical bills; in addition, the team's coaches and players have |
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assisted in any way they could, and his son, defensive coordinator |
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Drew Johnston, has been particularly important, shouldering many of |
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the coaching responsibilities; and |
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WHEREAS, By demonstrating an unflagging commitment to |
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excellence regardless of the obstacles before him, W. T. Johnston |
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has become a source of inspiration to his players and to the entire |
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Newton community, and he is indeed deserving of special |
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recognition; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commend W. T. Johnston on his achievements as |
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head coach of the Newton High School football team and congratulate |
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him on his most recent state championship victory; and, be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Coach Johnston as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |
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White |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 85 was adopted by the House on March |
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6, 2019, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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