SMU has awarded the Inaugural Simmons Luminary Award to three outstanding individuals. Dr. Terry Flowers, The Hon. Geraldine "Tincy" Miller and The Hon. Dr. Margaret Spellings. The award is named for Annette Caldwell Simmons. She is also the namesake of the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development at SMU.

I was thrilled because Dr. Flowers asked me to present him at Thursday's award dinner. I've known him for 20 years and he's a Brilliant Educator. He's the Headmaster and Executive Director of St. Philip's School and Community Center in South Dallas. Dr. Flowers grew up on the south side of Chicago and was asked to try out for the Chicago Bears. But he turned 'Da Bears down because he had a calling to work in education with young children. St. Philip's is PreK-3-6th grade and the students are sharp, successful, smart and they have the most beautiful manners...excellence is expected and the students always give their best. The school is known as "The Miracle on Pennsylvania Avenue".  It truly is.  The address is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...they're living up to that address.

Former First Lady Laura Bush was the presenter for Dr. Margaret Spellings, the former U.S. Secrectary of Education.  Gladys Kolenovsky introducded Mrs. Miller.

Congratulations to all three Honorees!!!