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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Since 1950, the Freemasons of the Grand Lodge of |
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Texas have designated a week in March to pay tribute to our public |
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school system; and |
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WHEREAS, Many of the state's earliest leaders were Masons who |
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led the movement for public education; these included |
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Stephen F. Austin and Mirabeau B. Lamar, nicknamed the "Father of |
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Texas Education" for successfully advocating for a permanent |
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endowment to support public education; thanks to his efforts, such |
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a fund continues to supplement the education budget today; and |
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WHEREAS, In addition to their influence in shaping policy, |
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Freemasons also established schools across Texas, often opening the |
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doors of their lodges to any person with a desire for learning; they |
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championed access to education for all at a crucial point in Texas |
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history, and that dedication to public schools has remained an |
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important focus of the organization; current members contribute to |
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their communities by recognizing teachers with awards and providing |
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scholarships to deserving students; and |
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WHEREAS, Texas public schools prepare a diverse student |
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population for the unique challenges of the 21st century, and the |
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success of these institutions relies on the hard work and |
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cooperation of numerous professionals and volunteers alike; and |
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WHEREAS, A quality education is vital to the prosperity of |
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individuals, families, communities, and the entire state, and it is |
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indeed appropriate to pause and acknowledge the contributions of |
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public schools to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize March 6 through 10, 2023, as Texas |
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Public Schools Week and honor the members of the Masonic Grand Lodge |
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of Texas for their commitment to these public institutions; and, be |
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it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the Grand Lodge of Texas as an expression of high |
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regard by the Texas House of Representatives. |