Event to focus on education information

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September 6, 2012

Event to focus on education information

Sally Sexton CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Thu Sep 06, 2012, 08:00 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD — Education can often be a confusing subject, and to help answer some of those questions, the Parker County Democratic Party and Parker County Active Democrats are hosting Celebration for Education Sept. 20.

Tickets are currently on sale now for the program, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center.

“Even though it’s sponsored by the Democrats, we want people to know that this is not a political event,” Lela Morris, director of testing for Weatherford College, said. “We just want to bring the subject of education to the forefront and let people know that there is a way to support education, and to emphasize how important it is to support it.”

The event kicks off with a cash bar and silent auction, followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Some of the highlights of the night will include presentations by three speakers — Joel Burns, of Fort Worth, Lon Burnam, of Tarrant County, and Weatherford’s Joe Tison.

Burns is a licensed real estate agent, and currently serves as a Texas District 9 City Councilman, a position he has held since 2007. In addition, Burns also serves on the housing and economic development committee and the board of directors of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Mr. Burns will be speaking on bullying and keeping kids safe,” Morris said.

Tison, who had 39 years of experience in education, has served various roles in the community, including teacher, principal, office administrator, superintendent and Weatherford mayor.

“Tison, of course is our local hero,” Morris said. “He will be giving his perspective on education from a local level and things that are going on around Weatherford.”

Burnam currently serves on the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 90 in Fort Worth, where he has served for the last 15 years.

He will be giving updates and news on the Texas State Legislature.

Members of the Texas Freedom Network will also be in attendance to address news from the Texas State Board of Education.

“There’s so much happening with the legislature and the state board of education that the every day person just doesn’t know,” Morris said. “It’s so important to get that information out there and get some support for education.”

Tickets are $35 for individuals and $250 for a table of eight. Tickets will be sold in advance and, if available, at the door before the event.

All proceeds go to the Weatherford College Foundation for scholarships.

For tickets or more information, contact Morris at 817-597-4901 or email lmorris@wc.edu.