SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 553

WHEREAS, The members of the eighth class of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars have distinguished themselves through their commitment to public service and public policy; and

WHEREAS, These young men and women are participating in the Clements Legislative Study Program, which is hosted by the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute; this exemplary program seeks to train, support, and sustain the next generation of leaders and public servants, instilling in them the values and work ethic of former governor William P. Clements Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Governor Clements overcame the misfortunes that befell his family during the Great Depression to create the world's largest offshore drilling company; he won an upset victory to become the state's first Republican governor since Reconstruction, bringing his business acumen to state government and focusing on such issues as sound budgeting, crime prevention, and economic diversification; and

WHEREAS, The Clements Legislative Study Program is the only program of its kind to bring conservative students to Austin so that they may gain valuable experience in leadership and public service by working directly with members of the Texas Legislature; and

WHEREAS, Scholars who have previously completed the Clements Legislative Study Program now work in a variety of positions in and around the Texas Legislature, including in the Texas House and Senate, state agencies, political campaigns, policy research institutions, and media organizations; and

WHEREAS, The program's eighth class consists of Olivia Alexander, Morghan Armenta, Sydney Baker, Cameron Castillo, Mika'ele Castro, Mary Grace Davidson, Bailey Halbert, Noah Huerta, Jacquelyn Pillow, Zane Prince, Leah Shepherd, Trinity Smith, Madeline Tillman, and Romana Vargas; and

WHEREAS, By taking part in this special program, the members of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars are furthering their understanding of civics, government, and history, and the knowledge and skills they learn from their time at the Texas Capitol will serve them well in the years ahead; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend the members of the eighth class of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars for their dedication to public policy and for their service to their state and nation and extend to them sincere best wishes for success in all their future endeavors; and, be it further

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

King, Campbell, Hughes Kolkhorst, Middleton, Paxton

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 12, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate