[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING MRS. BETTIE J. BROUSSARD CURTIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2018

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Bettie J. 
Broussard Curtis, a distinguished educator and woman of profound 
spiritual convictions. Mrs. Curtis was born and raised in Orange, Texas 
to her parents Shelton and Ophelia Broussard. Coming from a family of 
thirteen, Mrs. Curtis learned a strong work ethic and faith in God from 
her parents which no doubt led to her success. Mrs. Curtis married her 
husband James Ilenton Curtis in 1963 and was married for 31 years 
before his demise.
   Mrs. Curtis received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business 
Education from Wiley College and a Master of Education Degree in 
Business from Texas Southern University in Houston. While pursuing her 
advanced studies she taught at both Texas Southern and Lamar 
University.
   Mrs. Curtis is best known for her 56 years as a business education 
teacher for West Orange-Cove CISD where she inspired her students with 
her beautiful smile, gracious demeanor, and the skills necessary for 
success in the global workplace. The school district honored her by 
naming the new elementary school library the Bettie J. Curtis Library.
   Mrs. Curtis has always shown a strong commitment to civic and 
political organizations throughout her community--she was named the 
first African American to serve as President of District V Texas State 
Teachers Association as well as involvement in National Education 
Association, Texas Business and Technology Educators Association, 
National Business Education Association, NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta 
Sorority, and Top Ladies of Distinction. Mrs. Curtis has also received 
countless awards including Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Educator 
and Woman of the Year at Mount Olive Baptist Church just to name a few.
   On Saturday, January 13, 2018 Mrs. Curtis will be presented with the 
Blossoming Minds MLK Gala Legend Award, and for this I congratulate 
her. This award is a testament to her passionate service to others and 
unwavering commitment to her community and faith in God. It is my 
privilege to honor her for this special achievement and incredible 
career.

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