WHEREAS, Jim Henley is celebrating his 60th birthday on October 7, 2007 and this occasion offers a fitting opportunity to pay tribute to the many noteworthy achievements that have made this respected educator and civic leader a beloved member of the Houston community; and
WHEREAS, The son of James and Lurette Henley, Jim Henley was born in 1947 in Munich, Germany, where his father was serving in the military; he was one of seven children and first honed his debating skills during the lively discussions that took place at the family dinner table; after graduating from high school in Camden, Arkansas in 1965, he was called to the ministry and became the pastor of Second Baptist Church in Clarksville, Arkansas; he also earned an undergraduate degree from the University of the Ozarks in 1971 and a master's degree in religious education from the Southwestern Theological Seminary in 1981; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Henley worked on banking and real estate in the early 1980s, and in 1987 he began his teaching career at Lanier Middle School in Houston; for the next two decades, he taught history and debate and coached the school debate team, and the enthusiasm and imagination he brought to his duties made him a memorable and effective educator who had a lasting influence on his students; and
WHEREAS, among other approaches, Mr. Henley drew students into topics through the use of Jeopardy-style quiz games and by having them create a historical timeline that encircled the classroom; his innovative debate lessons included group shouting exercises to help young people overcome their fear of public speaking; the success of Mr. Henley's methods was evident in the outstanding record of the Lanier debate team, which won the International Debate Education Association national championship five consecutive times between 2003 and 2007; moreover, his efforts were honored with the Teacher of the Year award in 2006 and with the designation of "Jim Henley Day" by the City of Houston; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing that great learning experiences are to be found outside the classroom as well, this dedicated teacher organized 19 annual tours to Washington, D.C., to give students a first-hand look at government operations, and he also founded Lanier Middle School's Ecology Club; even when he became a candidate for the U.S. Congress in the 2006 election, Mr. Henley viewed his run for office as a learning experience for his students, both past and present, calling it a "lesson plan" that would "let them know it's their responsibility to be involved in public service"; not surprisingly hundred of his former pupils answered the call and actively supported their teacher during the campaign; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Henley retired in 2007 after 20 years of exceptional service at Lanier and now focuses on educational consulting work and his hobbies of travel and backpacking; though he no longer presides over middle school classes, he will no doubt continue to be a vital force in the city of Houston, he may reflect with pride on the positive and far-reaching impact he has had on countless students and other area residents; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Jim Henley be congratulated on his 60th birthday and that he be commended for his outstanding work as a mentor and community leader.
Borris Miles
State Representative
District 146
Rick Noriega
State Representative
District 145
