[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 25 (Tuesday, March 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF DON RICHARDSON'S RETIREMENT FROM HIGHLAND PARK HIGH 
                                 SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 2004

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Don Richardson 
from Highland Park High School on the occasion of his upcoming 
retirement. I have the pleasure of representing Highland Park High 
School in Congress, and I am proud to have four alums from Highland 
Park High School on my staff and two of them that played football for 
Coach Richardson.
  Coach Richardson retires as the defensive coordinator for the 
Highland Park Scots football team. Don Richardson has been a career 
educator for 34 years, including 31 distinguished years with the 
Highland Park Independent School District. In his capacity with the 
Highland Park football team, Coach Richardson has been a jack-of-all-
trades. In his tenure, he has served as the head football coach, 
offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and defensive coordinator.
  I salute Coach Richardson for the positive influence that he has had 
on his players and students over the last 31 years. Off the playing 
field, he has been an outstanding government and history teacher for 
Highland Park High School. Coach Richardson was selected by his 
teaching peers as the Highland Park High School Teacher of the Year for 
1998-1999. He is a role model of leadership and dependability, and he 
will be greatly missed by future Highland Park football teams and by 
his former players and fans in the stands on Friday nights. Highland 
Park's football team is a benchmark of success within Dallas County 
year in and year out. Coach Richardson's coaching abilities greatly 
contribute to the team's victories on the field, as he puts his players 
in the best positions to make game-changing plays.
  Highland Park's football team has historically been one of the best 
programs in the State. Highland Park ranks fourth in the State for all-
time victories with 637 and is fifth in all-time playoff victories with 
62.
  Coach Richardson's family has played a vital role in his success over 
the years. Don's loving wife, Carolyn, and children, Sharla Cassiano 
and Kyle Richardson, have brought him great warmth and support. Sharla 
was an All-Sun Belt Conference volleyball player at Louisiana Tech, and 
Kyle played linebacker for the University of Texas Longhorns.
  I wish Coach Richardson and his family a pleasant start to his well-
earned retirement, and I thank him for his years of dedicated service 
in education.

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