J. T. Henry Honored, 17 Apr 2001, Coke County, TX ***************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ Submitted by Mary Love Berryman - marylove@tyler.net 30 April 2001 ***************************************************************** The Observer/Enterprise, 20 April 2001, Robert Lee, TX J. T. HENRY HONORED J. T. Henry was honored Tuesday, April 17, 2001 when the Coke County Retired Teachers Association met at the Ag building at Bronte High School. The building has been named in honor of J. T. Henry. The staff of BISD hosted the luncheon prepared by the current Ag students under the direction of Jay Henderson, present Ag teacher. Preceding the meal, Henderson introduced Eric Johnson, FFA president, who extended the welcome to unit members and visitors. He spoke of the many changes Mr. Henry experienced in his 38 years as Bronte Ag teacher. He taught from 1936 to 1974. Following the consumption of good food, Rick Howell, BHS principal, spoke on the importance of the Ag program in building character as well as teaching skills. He stated that J. T. Henry did this as a teacher and continued to serve the community upon retirement through a faternal group, city government, his church, and coffee shop talk. Bill Gentry, a Henry student of the class of 1950, spoke of Henry's influence on his life. J. T. Henry responded by telling how he came to Bronte in 1936. His future wife, Sybil, came to Bronte to teach in 1937. They found each other and were married in 1938. Their marriage of 63 years has been sustained by their service in teaching and service to the Bronte community. Sybil was the commercial teacher and later 6th grade teacher. Their daughter, Linda Boyer, a music teacher in San Angelo, attended the Tuesday celebration. J. T. stated that his success as a teacher was due to the students who responded to the teaching and to the support of the community. Under his direction they built the concession stand, the ticket booth, and seating at the high school stadium. His students learned how to give to the community. He stated that his program was not about students. He didn't teach the subject - he taught boys and girls. There were 27 RTA members present and at least 20 visitors including a dozen who had been students of Henry. Louis Bridges and Ed Cumbie both spoke of being in J. T.'s first class in 1936. Ed told of going with J. T. and Sybil on their honeymoon. It was a trip to El Paso for the state FFA meeting. Others who lauded Henry and told of experiences with him were: Royce Lee, Jimmy Bickley, C. B. Barbee, and Benny Corley. Janet Wommack presided at a brief business meeting where Kenneth Rasco was appointed to serve as vice president for the coming year. The next meeting will be May 21 at the home of Jerry and Bette McCutchen on Humble Road. The plaque by the front door of the Ag building sums up the deep appreciation and affection held for J. T. Henry. It reads: This building is dedicated to J. T. Henry for us unmatched zeal and dedication in futhering the skills and excellence in his students. Agricultural Teacher, 1936 - 1974 FFA Seal, presented Sept., 2000. Permission granted by Observer/Enterprise for publication in the Coke County TXGenWeb Archives