2013 -- H 5907

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LC02140

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING JOHN H. BALL ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE COVENTRY HIGH

SCHOOL HALL OF FAME

     Introduced By: Representatives Guthrie, Tomasso, and Serpa

     Date Introduced: March 20, 2013

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, For decades, John Ball, a retired teacher and former Director of Vocational-

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Education at Coventry High School, has been inspiring students to envision the possibilities, to

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have confidence in themselves and their abilities, and to believe in a future full of promise.  He

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has dedicated most of his adult life to vocational-technical education and to improving career

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opportunities for young people; and

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     WHEREAS, Mr. Ball earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island,

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and his Master’s degree in Education and his C.A.G.S. diploma in Educational Administration

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from the University of Connecticut. In addition, he continued his studies at numerous institutions,

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including Cornell University, Temple University, the University of Maryland, and the University

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of Colorado, among others; and

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     WHEREAS, In 1957, Mr. Ball began his career in education as a vocational agriculture

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teacher at Coventry High School (CHS).  After ten years, he was promoted to be the Director of

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the West Bay Vocational-Technical School, a position he held from 1967 until his retirement in

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1990; and

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     WHEREAS, During his tenure at CHS, Mr. Ball provided exceptional leadership and

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support for vocational education. He played a major role in many initiatives, including the

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Alternative Learning Program, the Rhode Island Distinguished Merit Program, the first

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vocational satellite program in an industrial setting, and the “Time About Program,” along with

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many others; and

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     WHEREAS, Beginning the next chapter in his life, Mr. Ball served in a number of

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interim positions, including Acting Principal/Director at Davies Career and Technical High

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School, Interim Director of the Newport Vocational-Technical Center, consultant to the Rhode

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Island Department of Education, and as an interim vice-principal in Smithfield; and

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     WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Ball has also been active in many civic

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organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the Rhode Island Secondary Principals

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Association, the National Council of Senior Citizens, The New England 65 Plus Runners Club,

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and the American Running and Fitness Organization, and was a member and Past President of the

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Anthony Grange.   Currently, he is a member of the Coventry Library Foundation and a member

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of its Board of Trustees, as well as a member of the Rhode Island FFA Foundation; and

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     WHEREAS, Mr. Ball’s revered reputation and successes haven’t simply been a result of

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good fortune, but are due instead to his genuine love of teaching, in-depth knowledge and

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immense talents, his well-deserved achievements, and his warm personality and sense of humor;

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and

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     WHEREAS, For his dedication to young people and to education, Mr. Ball has earned the

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prestigious distinction of being inducted into the Coventry High School Hall of Fame. This

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recognition is a momentous tribute to an exceptional man who has had a significant and profound

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impact on the lives of his students through his extraordinary commitment to education; now,

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therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

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Providence Plantations hereby congratulates and honors Mr. John H. Ball on his induction into

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the Coventry High School Hall of Fame. We wish him good health, much happiness, and

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continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. John H. Ball.

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LC02140

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