Friends, co-workers salute Hendrix at retirement celebration

By BOBBY HORN JR.
CROSBY—Dr. Don Hendrix, who has given Crosby ISD the past 21 years of his life as well as the past 42 years as an educator was honored on Saturday night with a retirement celebration.
The affair, held at the high school commons, featured a three-part program followed by a coffee and cake reception.
Serving as master of ceremonies, superintendent-elect Mike Joseph narrated a multi-media presentation on the life and career of Hendrix. Going back to his days as a child on a sharecropper’s farm and early years in Highlands to his graduation from Deer Park High, Joseph told how he moved from “Coach Hendrix” at Lyford High School to principal in Johnson City. During the presentation pictures of Hendrix with a mustache or wearing striped bell bottom slacks drew laughs from the audience.
“Crosby ISD will never be the same (without Hendrix),” Joseph said.
Following a standing ovation, a series of special presentations began.
The administration staff composed a humorous film called “Searching for Dr. Hendrix,” which concluded with a sentiment from Hendrix’s assistance Veronica Ramos that was felt throughout the audience “We will truly miss you.”
Each campus followed with their own creative tribute to Hendrix.

Crosby Kindergarten presented a DVD that featured a “Dr. Seuss-style” book tribute. Barrett Primary followed with the Crosby ISD version of “Jeopardy” featuring Hendrix trivia.
Newport Elementary gave Hendrix a basket of memories which included a photo of how he looked when he was hired in 1986, blueprints from the high school and his “final test,” a certificate for golf at Newport County Club.
Drew Intermediate’s presentation featured students performing a traditional Mexican dance and faculty as “The Drew Girls” plus ‘Rustina’ performing “Hard to Say Goodbye.”
Recognizing Hendrix’s love for Zydeco music, students from Crosby Middle performed a Zydeco selection.
Students from Crosby High created a video tribute which focused on Hendrix’s first day of retirement. The film concluded with Hendrix serving as an official Crosby ISD greeter, much like those at Wal-Mart. Hendrix was even given a red vest to wear, special retired superintendent parking sign and a “key” to the district.
Following an intermission the laughs continued with a “roast and toast”