By Hochberg                                            H.R. No. 122
         77R4020 JKB-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The members of Houston's Johnston Middle School
 1-2     mariachi band, Los Galgos, have won the first place award at the
 1-3     Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza competition, and this achievement is
 1-4     truly deserving of special recognition; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Under the experienced leadership of director Carlos
 1-6     Niera, this esteemed group of students garnered top honors in the
 1-7     competition's middle school category for the second time since the
 1-8     band's founding in 1995; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, The band, which began with only five members, has
1-10     grown to include 32 talented musicians and has captured a place in
1-11     the hearts of Texans throughout the state; named for the school's
1-12     mascot, the greyhound, Los Galgos features the distinctive sounds
1-13     of the violin, trumpet, guitar, guitarron, and vinuela, as well as
1-14     several gifted vocalists; and
1-15           WHEREAS, No strangers to hard work and dedication, these
1-16     sixth- through eighth-grade students are busy year-round raising
1-17     money to fund their trips to competitions and elaborate uniforms;
1-18     members of Los Galgos participate in fund-raisers and receive
1-19     donations for performing for senior citizens groups, at weddings,
1-20     elementary schools,  and quincinieras, and during Spanish Heritage
1-21     Month and Cinco de Mayo; and
1-22           WHEREAS, With the support of the community and the devoted
1-23     instruction of Mr. Niera, the Johnston Middle School mariachi band
1-24     has achieved great success, and this latest accomplishment is a
 2-1     tribute to the exceptional efforts of all its members; now,
 2-2     therefore, be it
 2-3           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-4     Legislature hereby congratulate Carlos Niera and the members of Los
 2-5     Galgos  on the band's success at the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza;
 2-6     and, be it further
 2-7           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 2-8     prepared for Mr. Niera and Los Galgos as an expression of high
 2-9     regard by the Texas House of Representatives.