H.R. No. 481
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The Texas Southern University debate team, under the
    1-2  sterling direction of Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, has throughout its
    1-3  history achieved an exceptional level of success at both national
    1-4  and international levels of competition; and
    1-5        WHEREAS, Established in 1949, the Texas Southern University
    1-6  team has ascended to the ranks of the elite in debate, twice
    1-7  winning the international forensics tournament, which boasts the
    1-8  finest debating minds in the world; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, Dr. Freeman has been the guiding force behind this
   1-10  dynamic organization since its inception, and his tireless pursuit
   1-11  of perfection has vaulted the Texas Southern University debate team
   1-12  to its current lofty status; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, This dedicated and disciplined squad undertakes a
   1-14  grueling schedule of events, averaging four district and regional
   1-15  tournaments per semester, but continues to maintain an enviable
   1-16  level of excellence; and
   1-17        WHEREAS, During the 1993-1994 season, this exceptional group
   1-18  of young debaters established a new record by winning 121 trophies;
   1-19  they also recently established another high-water mark by taking
   1-20  home 32 awards at a tournament in Madrid, Spain; and
   1-21        WHEREAS, Among the many notable persons who have benefited
   1-22  from their participation in this renowned program are former
   1-23  congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Dr. James Race, attorney Otis King,
   1-24  Judge Andrew Jefferson, state senator Rodney Ellis, and the late
    2-1  congressman Mickey Leland; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, Those individuals who possess the ability to present
    2-3  ideas and concepts in an articulate and convincing fashion have
    2-4  developed a vital talent that can help to enhance their own lives
    2-5  and the lives of others, and the Texas Southern University debate
    2-6  team's unparalleled skill in this valuable discipline is truly
    2-7  worthy of special legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
    2-8        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
    2-9  Legislature hereby congratulate the Texas Southern University
   2-10  debate team on its many exceptional accomplishments and extend best
   2-11  wishes for continued success in the future; and, be it further
   2-12        RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared
   2-13  for Dr. Freeman and the team members and that a copy be prepared
   2-14  for prominent display at Texas Southern University as an expression
   2-15  of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.