By Reyna of Bexar                                      H.R. No. 460
         77R2414 MW-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Becky Mendez of Elrod Elementary School in San
 1-2     Antonio has become the first Texas teacher to receive the
 1-3     prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Created in 1985, the Milken Educator Award
 1-5     recognizes exceptional teachers and rewards them with a $25,000
 1-6     cash prize and membership in the Milken Educator Network; in
 1-7     addition, the 155 teachers chosen as Milken Educators in 2000 will
 1-8     receive an all-expense-paid trip to Los Angeles in June 2001 to
 1-9     participate in the annual Milken Family Foundation National
1-10     Education Conference; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Ms. Mendez, a fourth grade science teacher, earned
1-12     this accolade by being a superb instructor who has initiated
1-13     numerous innovative learning projects, such as the Young Astronaut
1-14     Program and an annual overnight stargazing party; she also conducts
1-15     math and science nights during which parents participate in
1-16     activities along with their children; and
1-17           WHEREAS, A teacher who develops much of her own curriculum
1-18     and whose tireless efforts and ingenious teaching methods have
1-19     benefited many students at Elrod Elementary School, Ms. Mendez is
1-20     truly deserving of special recognition, and it is indeed fitting
1-21     that we honor her at this time; now, therefore, be it
1-22           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
1-23     Legislature hereby commend Becky Mendez on her well-deserved
1-24     selection as a Milken Educator and extend to her sincere best
 2-1     wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
 2-2           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 2-3     prepared for Becky Mendez as an expression of high regard by the
 2-4     Texas House of Representatives.