By Gutierrez H.R. No. 1039 76R16237 GMW-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 Dr. Fred Farias of McAllen on his selection as Young Optometrist of 1-3 the Year by the Texas Optometric Association; and 1-4 WHEREAS, This prestigious award is presented to a leader in 1-5 the optometry profession who has demonstrated the highest regard 1-6 for the ethics and ideals of the Texas Optometric Association; 1-7 through his exemplary work in the community and his 20/20 Vision 1-8 Care optometry practice, Dr. Farias has truly embodied these goals 1-9 and proven himself most deserving of the Young Optometrist of the 1-10 Year award; and 1-11 WHEREAS, A valued member of the board of directors of the 1-12 Texas Optometric Association, this civic-minded gentleman has 1-13 donated his time and expertise as statewide coordinator of the 1-14 Vision USA program, which provides free eye care to the working 1-15 poor; other organizations that have benefitted from his commitment 1-16 include the Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Rio Grande 1-17 Valley Arthritis Foundation, the Rio Grande Valley Cancer Society, 1-18 and the Vannie E. Cook Cancer Center; he has also been active with 1-19 the Partners in Excellence Program of the McAllen school district 1-20 and as a sponsor of the McAllen Boys and Girls Club; and 1-21 WHEREAS, In addition to being named to the Marquis Who's Who 1-22 in Science and Engineering, the South and Southwest, and Among 1-23 Hispanic Americans, he has garnered a host of other accolades, 1-24 including the President's Award from the Texas Optometric 2-1 Association, the Southern College of Optometry Community Award, 2-2 the American Optometric Association Recognition Award, and numerous 2-3 American Optometric Association Foundation awards; and 2-4 WHEREAS, A longtime McAllen resident, Dr. Fred Farias has 2-5 shown true dedication both to his profession and to his community, 2-6 and it is indeed fitting to honor him at this time; now, therefore, 2-7 be it 2-8 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-9 Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Fred Farias on being named 2-10 Young Optometrist of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association 2-11 and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and 2-12 happiness; and, be it further 2-13 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-14 prepared for Dr. Farias as an expression of high regard by the 2-15 Texas House of Representatives.