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89(R) HR 1141 - Enrolled version - Bill Text
H.R. No. 1141
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Katie Erin Palmer made invaluable contributions to
the Denison Independent School District and her community over the
course of her career, and her legacy of leadership and civic
engagement will forever inspire all those who knew and loved this
esteemed educator; and
WHEREAS, A native of Denison, Katie Palmer was born on May 3,
1981, and she graduated from Austin College in 2003 with a
bachelor's degree in biology; she distinguished herself during her
tenure with Denison ISD, serving as a biology, robotics, and
science, technology, engineering, and math teacher at Scott Middle
School, where she was named Teacher of the Year multiple times;
additionally, she received the Ross Perot Fellowship and was
honored as a Scott's Scholar Sponsor and a school district
Difference Maker; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Palmer was known for her conservation and
nature rehabilitation work, including volunteering at Hagerman
National Wildlife Refuge, and she was a member of the Denison
Service League; she helped provide clothing, school supplies, and
food to those in need, and under her guidance, her students made
comforters for delivery to area hospitals and nursing homes; and
WHEREAS, On April 21, 2020, Mrs. Palmer was walking with her
husband, John, when they were struck by a vehicle; she later died
from her injuries; she was a devoted wife and the proud mother of
two children, Bella and Brandon, and after the accident, her family
began tirelessly seeking justice in her case; in 2021, a Texas law
was passed that requires any driver who seriously injures or kills a
pedestrian to submit to a blood alcohol test; and
WHEREAS, Today, Mrs. Palmer's spirit of kindness and
compassion is reflected in the mission of Katie's Closet, which
provides clothes to Denison ISD students in need, and through the
Katie Palmer Project, a community outreach initiative that gifts
Christmas lights to families experiencing hardship; her efforts are
also honored with a memorial educational pavilion bearing her name
at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, where she taught youth
classes; and
WHEREAS, Katie Palmer was deeply committed to Denison ISD and
her community, and she made a lasting impact in the lives of those
who were fortunate enough to know her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the memory of Katie Erin Palmer and pay
tribute to her life and service; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Luther
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1141 was adopted by the House on June
1, 2025, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House