R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 the visiting members of the Capitol Scholars group for their 1-3 award-winning entries in the Capitol Scholars Essay Contest; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The Capitol Scholars group is composed of students 1-5 from Memorial High School and Duchesne Academy in Houston who 1-6 prepared essays exploring one of the following topics: private 1-7 school vouchers, campaign finance reform, the top 10 percent rule, 1-8 or the lack of a "life without parole" sentencing option for 1-9 capital crimes in Texas; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Selected to receive this honor for their excellent 1-11 essays as well as their involvement in extracurricular activities, 1-12 students earned the opportunity to come to Austin and meet with a 1-13 number of public officials, including Attorney General John Cornyn, 1-14 Lieutenant Governor Bill Ratliff, Comptroller Carole Keeton 1-15 Rylander, and Texas Supreme Court Justice Greg Abbott; and 1-16 WHEREAS, During their visit, the students are broadening 1-17 their knowledge of the Lone Star State's storied history and 1-18 government by taking tours of the Capitol Complex, Governor's 1-19 Mansion, and State Cemetery; and 1-20 WHEREAS, This year's winners of the essay contest are William 1-21 Dearman, Jr., Irene Ngan, Stephanie Simpson, Vivi Thai, Christina 1-22 Chao, James Edward Eng, Ann-Kristen Evenson, and Justin Wagner; in 1-23 addition, Joyce Miller and Barbara Finch are serving as the group's 1-24 chaperones; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Through their interest in state government and 2-2 participation in their community, the members of the scholars group 2-3 have demonstrated leadership and an understanding of the need for 2-4 citizen involvement that is certain to serve this state well in the 2-5 years to come; now, therefore, be it 2-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-7 Legislature hereby recognize the Capitol Scholars group and honor 2-8 these fine young people for a job well done; and, be it further 2-9 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-10 prepared for the members of the Capitol Scholars group as an 2-11 expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Nixon Woolley _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 596 was adopted by the House on March 26, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House