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.