R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor

 1-2     the teaching staff of St. Mary's School in Gainesville for its

 1-3     remarkable service to the children of our state; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, The school was established by the Benedictine

 1-5     Sisters in 1891; the Sisters of Notre Dame became affiliated with

 1-6     the institution 11 years later and since that time they have helped

 1-7     and encouraged several generations of young Texans to strive toward

 1-8     their highest potential; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, Currently, the school's 23 staff members and

1-10     teachers educate 192 youngsters enrolled in prekindergarten through

1-11     the eighth grade; they remain committed to enhancing the self-worth

1-12     of all their students and to preparing their charges to excel in a

1-13     wide range of areas, including reading, mathematics, science,

1-14     music, and physical education; and

1-15           WHEREAS, In addition, these dedicated professionals work

1-16     closely with parents to build on their students' learning

1-17     opportunities, and they give generously of their time and talents

1-18     to supervise after-school activities, earning them a special place

1-19     in the hearts of many young Texans; and

1-20           WHEREAS, The exceptional contributions made by teachers in

1-21     Catholic schools across the country have earned them well-deserved

1-22     renown, and they received a most fitting tribute when January 31,

1-23     1997, was declared National Appreciation Day for Catholic Teachers;

1-24     and

 2-1           WHEREAS, For more than a century, the teaching staff of St.

 2-2     Mary's School has served the schoolchildren of Gainesville with

 2-3     pride and dedication, and their unwavering commitment will continue

 2-4     to play a vital role in preparing the students of their community

 2-5     for leadership roles well into the coming century; now, therefore,

 2-6     be it

 2-7           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-8     Legislature hereby honor the many fine educators of St. Mary's

 2-9     School and extend to them our heartfelt gratitude for their

2-10     remarkable efforts in behalf of the youth of their community; and,

2-11     be it further

2-12           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-13     prepared for St. Mary's School as an expression of high regard by

2-14     the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                       Clark

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 296 was adopted by the House on March

         6, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House