WHEREAS, Having devoted the past 41 years of his life to being an educator, Lawrence E. "Larry" Jones is also looked upon by his peers and students as a friend, confidant, healer, problem solver, mentor and even a "taxi driver"; and

WHEREAS, Larry Jones was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island, attended St. Raphael's Academy in Pawtucket, and Providence college. He received his Master's of Education Degree from Rhode Island College; and

WHEREAS, Larry served two years in the United States Army prior to teaching in nearby Massachusetts for 14 years as a 5th and 6th grade teacher; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Portsmouth has had the good fortune of Larry Jones' devotion and dedication for the past 25 years with 23 of those years as principal at the Howard W. Hathaway School where he consistently focused his efforts in providing his students the optium in education in a manner which enhanced self-esteem and peer relations; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Jones, with astute, detailed, sensitive planning is able to lead his staff to provide maximum opportunities for learning for all students; and

WHEREAS, His work ethic and respect for others are an inspiration for staff and parents alike; and

WHEREAS, Larry has always made himself available to parents and has looked upon their role as partners in education in a fair, honest and caring manner, and has always been there for them ; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May 17, 1996 Lawrence E. Jones Appreciation day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Lawrence E. Jones.