House Resolution 38

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. JOHN WILLIAM GUYTON, III, UPON BEING NAMED MISSISSIPPI PROJECT LEARNING TREE'S 2003 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Dr. John William Guyton, III, a native of Starkville, Mississippi, was named Mississippi Project Learning Tree's 2003 Educator of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Project Learning Tree is a world-wide environmental education network sponsored internationally by the American Forest Foundation and the Mississippi PLT is sponsored by the Mississippi Forestry Commission, Mississippi Forestry Association and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service National Forest in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Educator of the Year Award is awarded by the PLT advisory board from nominations solicited from Mississippi's PLT/Environmental Education Community; and

WHEREAS, as the honoree of this state award, Dr. Guyton competed on an international level and was one of five international winners selected; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Guyton attended the Golden Triangle Vocational Technical Center and received certificates in Electricity I and II, Welding and Refrigeration I and II from vocational school; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Guyton furthered his education at Mississippi State University, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1976, his master's of education in 1979, and his education doctorate in 1987; and

WHEREAS, currently, Dr. Guyton serves as the State 4-H Specialist in Environmental Education, Associate Level at the Mississippi State University, Extension Service Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Guyton's responsibilities include: establishing and implementing a comprehensive state-wide Environmental Education Program; establishing and maintaining liaison with governmental agencies, environmental organizations and educational institutions; devise, coordinate and implement workshops, conferences, camps and meetings; and prepare educational information, background materials, exhibits and displays; and

WHEREAS, throughout his long and distinguished career, Dr. Guyton has also worked in various other positions such as teacher, item writer and proof reader, graduate assistant and associate professor of education, chairman of science department and assistant professor of physics, air conditioner/heater repair and residential electrician, regional manager for a jewelry store; and

WHEREAS, an active member of his profession and community, Dr. Guyton is a member of many organizations such as the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents; Mississippi Environmental Education Alliance; North American Association for Environmental Education; Rainwater Astronomical Association; Association of Teacher Educators; National Science Teachers Association; American Educational Research Association; and many others; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Dr. Guyton serves on a long list of boards associated with museums, research institutions and environmental and recreation centers in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians such as Dr. Guyton, who has dedicated his career to improving the quality of education and the environment:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do commend and congratulate Dr. John William Guyton, III, upon being named Mississippi Project Learning Tree's 2003 Educator of the Year and express our heartiest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. John William Guyton, III, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.