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