By Swinford H.R. No. 463 75R8967 JTR-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On Valentine's Day, 1997, 200 Dumas teenagers 1-2 committed themselves to the principles of the national "True Love 1-3 Waits" program by pledging to abstain from sex until marriage, and 1-4 this remarkable effort is truly worthy of special recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Designed to encourage sexual abstinence among young 1-6 people, the "True Love Waits" program offers its participants an 1-7 opportunity to counteract the popular image of teenagers as 1-8 undisciplined and promiscuous, and by signing pledge cards to be 1-9 displayed in their schools, they proudly affirm their belief in the 1-10 sanctity of holy matrimony; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Although the event was sponsored by local Christian 1-12 organizations, the coordination of the effort came from the 1-13 teenagers themselves, and their initiative and enthusiasm have 1-14 ensured the success of this endeavor; and 1-15 WHEREAS, These public-spirited young people have undertaken 1-16 to lead their friends and fellow students by example, and by using 1-17 the power of peer pressure in a positive fashion, they hope to win 1-18 others over to their worthwhile cause; and 1-19 WHEREAS, In pledging to abstain from sexual intercourse 1-20 outside of wedlock, these teenagers have demonstrated themselves to 1-21 be responsible citizens who understand the social and cultural 1-22 importance of the institution of marriage, and it is indeed fitting 1-23 at this time to recognize them for their maturity and dedication; 1-24 now, therefore, be it 2-1 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-2 Legislature hereby recognize the 200 Dumas teenagers participating 2-3 in the "True Love Waits" program and extend to them sincere best 2-4 wishes for continued success and happiness in the years to come.