R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 Ruth A. Burns for her outstanding record of service to her 1-3 community; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A San Antonio native, she was graduated from Phillis 1-5 Wheatley High School and pursued her higher education at St. 1-6 Philips College, Huston-Tillotson College, and the University of 1-7 Michigan; she also attended Prairie View College, where she earned 1-8 her bachelor's degree, and Our Lady of the Lake University, 1-9 attaining her master's degree from that fine institution; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Determined to make a positive difference in her 1-11 community, she became a teacher at Dorie Miller Elementary School, 1-12 where for 32 years she was a source of knowledge and guidance to 1-13 her many students; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Mrs. Burns has also given freely of her time and 1-15 energy by serving as a volunteer for a number of worthy 1-16 organizations, including the United Negro College Fund, the 1-17 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the 1-18 March of Dimes; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Blessed with extraordinary musical talent, she 1-20 demonstrates her superb singing voice as a member of both the St. 1-21 Philips Community Choir and the Umoja Chorale and is director of 1-22 the Deltones, the singing group of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; and 1-23 WHEREAS, In recognition of her notable achievements, 1-24 Mrs. Burns was chosen by the sorority as "Delta Woman of the Year" 2-1 in 1989, and she was also honored by the San Antonio Top Ladies of 2-2 Distinction in 1991; and 2-3 WHEREAS, A devoutly religious person, she is a longtime 2-4 member of the Second Baptist Church of San Antonio and has at 2-5 different times served the congregation as church organist and as a 2-6 musician for the sanctuary choir, youth choir, and men's chorus; 2-7 and 2-8 WHEREAS, Ruth Burns truly exemplifies the qualities of 2-9 warmth, compassion, and commitment to others, and her many notable 2-10 contributions to the betterment of her community are indeed worthy 2-11 of special legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-12 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-13 Legislature hereby commend Ruth A. Burns for her many significant 2-14 contributions to her fellow citizens; and, be it further 2-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-16 prepared for Mrs. Burns as an expression of high regard by the 2-17 Texas House of Representatives. McClendon _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 85 was adopted by the House on February 5, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House