November 2, 2006

Catherine Harrison to Deliver Keynote Speech at

Tyler ISD Foundation Kickoff Luncheon

Catherine Harrison, motivational speaker and advocate of public education, will deliver the keynote address at the Tyler ISD Foundation’s Kickoff Luncheon, Friday, November 10^th, at Hollytree Country Club.

Harrison has been an inspirational writer and motivational public speaker for the past 10 years. She is president of the non-profit organization Beyond Sight Ministries, Inc. and is a featured writer for Fresh Outlook magazine.

“This campaign will help the Foundation provide resources to inspire learning, enrich teaching and enhance opportunities for district students,” said Larry Goddard, Executive Director of the Tyler ISD Foundation.  “The kickoff luncheon is the first event of this year’s annual fund drive, which will run from November 10 through January 31, and having Mrs. Harrison as the keynote speaker to voice her strong endorsement of Tyler ISD is appreciated and admired.  Mrs. Harrison’s commitment to quality public education and parental involvement is an inspiration to all of us.”

Harrison is an active PTA member at Robert E. Lee and John Tyler high schools, and Rice Elementary.  She is the Vice President of the John Tyler International Baccalaureate Parent Organization, and the founder of John Tyler High School fencing club.  Harrison also serves as the Title I representative for John Tyler High School, and is a member of the Campus Performance Objective Committee (CPOC) at Rice Elementary.

Harrison earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Baylor University.  She and her family served as missionaries to Nigeria, Africa.  Harrison and her family are active members at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler.  She is the wife of Tyler plastic surgeon Dr. Craig Harrison and mother of three boys.

Other speakers at the kickoff luncheon include Mike Thomas, Foundation Board president, Dr. David Simmons, Tyler ISD Superintendent, and a visual presentation about the works of the Foundation.

The campaign’s goal will be announced at the invitational event by campaign chair Gary Howell, President of Hibbs Hallmark Insurance.

This is the 15^th campaign the Foundation has conducted in support of the Tyler Independent School District.

For more information contact Larry Goddard at the Foundation office at

903-262-1144.

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