Dome Sweet Dome
Proposed Facility Named After Coach Andrew J. Hopkins
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Longtime Crockett educator and coach Andrew J. Hopkins is pictured with CISD Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore during a recently held ceremony naming the proposed CISD Safe Room / Gymnasium after Coach Hopkins.
Sitting front and center on stage, Coach Hopkins was honored with proclamations, flags and a key to the city of Crockett from both U.S. Senators from Texas, current and future U.S. Congressmen representing Houston County, state Senators and Representatives, county and city officials, and school board members past and present.
After the invocation, given by Pastor Larry Mouton, Jr. of St. Luke’s Baptist Church, Crockett ISD Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore welcomed those in attendance and gave a brief background of the project, before paying homage to Coach Hopkins.
“Over two years ago, this project started,” Dr. Moore said. “There has been a lot of help along the way. Without the help on the government level, from county judge to federal, we wouldn’t be here today. Over two years ago I had a dream or vision on what would be a fitting thing to recognize Coach Hopkins with. Any time the school does anything, you have the administration and the school board. Without the school board’s backing, nothing would have happened. I want to thank those on the school board who made this happen.”
He also gave special recognition to Jack Patton, Freddie Kitchen and Toni Nicol for their efforts in seeing the grant process through.
After recounting how he had met Coach Hopkins in 1967, Dr. Moore said, “This is the largest safe room that will have been built in the United States and it’s going to have your name on it.”
CISD Board of Trustees President Lela Wheeler followed Dr. Moore, saying, “There can be no happier occasion than that which celebrates and honors the vision, dedication and experience of a distinguished educator like Coach Andrew J. Hopkins. This activity has been especially grand because it gave us a time for reflection, fellowship, inspiration and the opportunity to pay tribute to someone that we all know and love.”
Master of Ceremonies Ansel Bradshaw read a letter from United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson. The letter stated, “For over 50 years, Coach Hopkins served the Crockett Independent School District with commitment and dedication. He impacted the lives of students, players and coaches and made a positive difference in this community.”
Chelsea Saylors, from U.S. Senator John Cornyn’s office was also in attendance for the honorarium. Reading a statement from the Senator, she said, “His commitment and encouragement serves as an example for the generations of students he has already influenced and in every future student who will walk through these doors. I’m proud that this new building will not only benefit the students of Crockett but the entire community and surrounding areas of Crockett. I salute you for what you have already done and encourage you to continue to pursue excellence.”
Representing U.S. Congressman Joe Barton, Dub Mains and Karla Carr presented Coach Hopkins with a plaque honoring his years of service and extended a congratulatory message on the occasion.
Congressman Kevin Brady, slated to perhaps represent Houston County in Washington after re-districting, sent a U.S. flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building. He also sent a U.S. Congressional commendation recognizing Coach Hopkins’ years of service to Crockett ISD.
Flags were also presented to Coach Hopkins by State Sen. Robert Nichols and State Rep. Marva Beck. Rep. Beck jokingly asked who was going to write the grant for all the flagpoles that would be needed as she gave Coach Hopkins the state flag of Texas.
Houston County District Attorney Donna Gordon Kasper, representing the county, declared the day of Jan. 20, 2012, as Andrew J. Hopkins Day. Crockett Mayor Wayne Mask also read a proclamation honoring Coach Hopkins and presented him with a key to the city.
Will Johnson may be reached via e-mail at wjohnson@messenger-news.com
