A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Posthumously honoring, commending, and remembering Roger Allen for over forty-five years of dedicated service as an educator to the youth and families of the Mitchell School District and Dakota Wesleyan University.

    WHEREAS, Roger Allen graduated from Mitchell High School in 1956 and attended Dakota Wesleyan University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching in 1960. He received his master's degree in 1963 at South Dakota State University; and

    WHEREAS, Mr. Allen began teaching at Mitchell High School in 1963 where he taught for thirty-seven years, becoming the chair of the English Department. After retiring, Mr. Allen went on to teach for another eight years as an Assistant Professor of Communications at Dakota Wesleyan University. Never really retiring, Mr. Allen, true to his indomitable spirit, continued to substitute teach at schools in the Mitchell area as long as he could physically do so; and

    WHEREAS, Mr. Allen demonstrated a life-long tireless love for his community and profession. He served many years in various capacities for the Mitchell Education Association, the South Dakota Education Association, Association of Classroom Teachers, National Education Association, the Corn Palace Committee, Mitchell Elks, Mitchell Centennial Committee, and the Mitchell Community Theater; and

    WHEREAS, it is meet and right for the great people of South Dakota to join the Mitchell School District and Dakota Wesleyan University in celebrating the life of public service of a caring educator who contributed to the success of so many South Dakotans:

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Second Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Mr. Roger Allen is posthumously thanked, honored, remembered, and commemorated for his many years of dedication to educating young South Dakotans and ensuring the bright future of this great state. "Good night, sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy

rest!" Requiescat in pace.