[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 89 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E492-E493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING DR. TELENA WRIGHT UPON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2023

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Telena Wright 
upon her retirement as Superintendent of the Argyle Independent School 
District in Argyle, Texas. Raised by two educators in Ballinger, Texas, 
Dr. Wright initially chose a pre-pharmacy major before switching to an 
education major and her ultimate attainment of a teacher's 
certification.

[[Page E493]]

She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at 
Austin, followed by a master's degree in education from Hardin-Simmons 
University and a doctorate in education from the University of North 
Texas.
  Prior to coming to Argyle ISD, Dr. Wright worked at San Angelo and 
Lewisville ISD's. She previously served as a math teacher, elementary 
and high school counselor, and as an assistant principal, before 
joining Argyle High School in 2000 as principal. After three years at 
the helm of AHS, she moved into district administration as an assistant 
superintendent, then interim superintendent before being named Argyle 
ISD Superintendent in 2009.
  Under Dr. Wright's capable leadership, Argyle ISD added a pre-
kindergarten program and implemented special education programming on 
all campuses. In addition, the Argyle ISD Police Department was created 
in 2013 to heighten security and now includes the addition of armed 
staff and the positioning of an officer on each campus.
  Argyle ISD has seen tremendous growth, and Dr. Wright oversaw the 
transition from K-8 grades to Pre-K-12 and three successful bond 
packages to provide updates and renovations to the district's existing 
facilities, addition of new campuses, new school buses, and new 
technology and security systems. The district covers over 35 square 
miles and enrollment has increased from 1700 to 5000 students and 200 
to more than 700 employees.
  Dr. Wright has been a hands-on leader and has forged a strong 
partnership between students, parents, teachers and administrators to 
ensure the best possible educational experience and outcomes for AISD 
students. A consummate professional, she is known as a tremendous 
recruiter and developer-of educators, serving as a mentor to many whom 
have benefited from her wisdom and inspirational guidance. She has also 
served as an adjunct instructor at her alma mater UNT, preparing the 
next generation of teachers.
  During her tenure, Argyle ISD has won twelve UIL Lone Star Cup 
awards, including a record setting 10 consecutive times. The Lone Star 
cup is awarded annually to only six high schools in the state based 
upon the accumulation of the largest number of UIL points with students 
competing in academics, fine arts and athletics. She has traveled 
across the region and state to support AISD students and teams as 
they've competed and won multiple state championships including UIL 
Academics, Girl's Basketball and Volleyball, Boy's Baseball, Football, 
and Golf, as well as Marching Band.
  After 15 years as superintendent, Dr. Wright is retiring. It is my 
privilege to recognize the long and dedicated service that Dr. Telena 
Wright has tirelessly devoted to the children of Argyle ISD. I join the 
students, families, and staff in wishing her all the best in her 
retirement.

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