85R24135 RMA-D By: Gonzales of Williamson H.R. No. 1613 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Larry Safarik is marking his 50th anniversary as a faculty member at Taylor Middle School in 2017; and WHEREAS, After serving as a student-teacher in the Taylor Independent School District for a year, Mr. Safarik began his career at Taylor Middle School in 1967; during his outstanding tenure, he has taught a range of subjects, including world history, physical education, and outdoor recreation; and WHEREAS, Mr. Safarik has further distinguished himself through his efforts in behalf of the Taylor ISD athletics program; he served as the eighth-grade football coach and coordinator for nearly four decades, and along the way, he piloted his teams to 16 undefeated seasons; moreover, as the founder of the district's tennis team, he coached varsity tennis for 11 years, compiling an impressive overall record of 175 wins, 7 losses, and 4 ties and guiding his players to 10 district titles and 4 state crowns; he has also coached basketball and baseball; and WHEREAS, In tribute to his many accomplishments, Mr. Safarik was presented with the Taylor Duck for Life Award in 2016, and that accolade has since been renamed in his honor; he was additionally recognized as a Distinguished Educator by the Taylor High School Class of 1996, inducted into the Texas Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991, and selected as the 1979 Most Outstanding Coach by the Capital Area Tennis Association; and WHEREAS, Mr. Safarik is supported in all his endeavors by his wife of 51 years, Katy, and he takes immense pride in his two sons, his two daughters-in-law, and his grandchild; and WHEREAS, For the past half century, Larry Safarik has made a positive difference in the lives of countless young Texans, and this notable milestone in his career presents a fitting opportunity to commend him on a lifetime of achievement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Larry Safarik on the occasion of his 50th anniversary at Taylor Middle School and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Safarik as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.