R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, Mary Vance recently received the 1996 Alumna of

 1-2     Distinction Award for Professional Achievement from the University

 1-3     of the Incarnate Word, and this accomplishment is truly deserving

 1-4     of special legislative recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, Ms. Vance was presented with this coveted award on

 1-6     December 14, 1996, at the school's winter commencement ceremonies,

 1-7     after being honored on the previous night at a dinner hosted by the

 1-8     alumni office; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, A mother of two, Ms. Vance is a valued member of the

1-10     faculty at San Antonio's Memorial High School, where she works as a

1-11     reading instructor; by focusing on the skills necessary to improve

1-12     reading comprehension, she feels that her students will more

1-13     readily experience the many joys and benefits of reading; and

1-14           WHEREAS, Ms. Vance is a 1976 graduate of Phillis Wheatley

1-15     High School who received her undergraduate degree in biology from

1-16     the University of the Incarnate Word; she went on to earn a

1-17     master's degree in education from The University of Texas at San

1-18     Antonio, and she received her teaching certificates in composite

1-19     science, secondary reading, and English as a second language from

1-20     that institution as well; and

1-21           WHEREAS, This commendable woman coordinates and sponsors many

1-22     extracurricular activities and programs designed to increase

1-23     students' self-esteem, such as Black History Month, the Black

1-24     Student Union, and the Peer Assistant Leadership program; her

 2-1     devotion to her students and her concern for their future were

 2-2     recognized in 1995 when she received the locally supported Class

 2-3     Act Teacher of the Month award; and

 2-4           WHEREAS, A multitalented individual, Ms. Vance uses poetry as

 2-5     one of her creative outlets, and she is the proud recipient of the

 2-6     National Library of Poetry's 1995 Editor's Choice Award for

 2-7     outstanding achievement in poetry; and

 2-8           WHEREAS, Too often our public school teachers' hard work and

 2-9     dedication go overlooked, and it is important to recognize the

2-10     important service that these individuals provide for our children;

2-11     Mary Vance has demonstrated the drive and commitment necessary to

2-12     excel in her chosen profession, and her tremendous efforts are

2-13     truly inspirational; now, therefore, be it

2-14           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-15     Legislature hereby congratulate Mary Vance on receiving the

2-16     University of the Incarnate Word's 1996 Alumna of Distinction Award

2-17     for Professional Achievement and extend to her sincere best wishes

2-18     for continued success and happiness in the years to come; and, be

2-19     it further

2-20           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-21     prepared for Ms. Vance as an expression of high regard by the Texas

2-22     House of Representatives.

                                                                   McClendon

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 201 was adopted by the House on March

         20, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House