SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 17

WHEREAS, Lavada Burse, a student at Grayson College and the 2020-2021 international president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, was recently named Glamour magazine's Community College Woman of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Burse has overcome significant personal and financial hardships to become an honors student and a leader on her campus; she first began her community college career two decades ago but put her goal of becoming a certified public accountant on hold due to the high cost of tuition; in the subsequent years, she focused on her work while taking online classes; after the birth of her youngest child, she moved her family to Denison, where she enrolled at Grayson College in 2017; and

WHEREAS, As a nontraditional student, Ms. Burse initially struggled with feelings of uncertainty over whether or not she could succeed in college; the turning point in her college career came when she was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, and while becoming active in the organization, she discovered her leadership potential and gained a renewed sense of confidence; with the support of her counselor and advisor, she campaigned to be the Texas regional president of Phi Theta Kappa, and after achieving that feat, she set her ambitions even higher to become the organization's international president; and

WHEREAS, Along with her involvement in Phi Theta Kappa, Ms. Burse has contributed to her campus community by serving as the student liaison on Grayson College's board of trustees, and in May 2021, she had the distinction of delivering the commencement address for the school's graduating classes; throughout her time at Grayson, she has benefited from the support and encouragement of her fellow students, and she has enjoyed sharing her unique perspective as a student over the age of 40, a single mother, and an individual who has dealt with the challenges of depression and anxiety; looking ahead to the future, she is planning to continue her studies at a four-year university; and

WHEREAS, Lavada Burse's hard work and perseverance have made her an inspiration to all who know her, and she may indeed take great pride in earning this prestigious recognition of her achievements; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Lavada Burse on her selection as Glamour magazine's Community College Woman of the Year and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success in all her endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Ms. Burse as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Springer

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 26, 2021.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate