HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2022-4659

HR 4659

ByRepresentatives Morgan, Wicks, Pollet, Fitzgibbon, Senn, Sells, and Leavitt

WHEREAS, Mr. Ester Wilfong committed his life to educating the children of Washington state, serving as a sixth-grade teacher in Central Kitsap schools from 1952 to 1959; and

WHEREAS, From 1959 to 1982 Mr. Wilfong served as a teacher and administrator in Tacoma Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilfong continued his service after retirement by mentoring the next generation of school principals; and

WHEREAS, As a teacher, Mr. Wilfong was popular with his students, developing a well-earned reputation as an excellent faculty leader; and

WHEREAS, Between 1968 and 1969, Mr. Wilfong served as the President of the Washington Education Association; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilfong served on the Board of Directors, including as a member of the Executive Committee for the National Education Association; and

WHEREAS, In 1982 Mr. Wilfong joined the Washington State School Retirees Association leading efforts to improve the lives of senior citizens; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilfong was an active member of the Tacoma Urban League, Tacoma Philharmonic, NAACP, Metropolitan Development Council, Washington State Human Rights Commission, Tacoma Volunteer Bureau, Goodwill Business Advisory Council, and Minority Concerns Task Force, and Chair of the Tacoma Planning Commission; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilfong traveled Pierce County registering citizens to vote, later to be named Educator Citizen of the Year by Tacoma Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilfong achieved all his success in spite of barriers from explicit racism, having been dismissed from his first teaching job due to the color of his skin;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize Mr. Ester Wilfong for his service, dedication, and commitment to the people of Washington state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the family of Mr. Ester Wilfong.