H.R. No. 154R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, A strong, effective system of free public education for all youth is essential to our democratic system of government; and WHEREAS, The United States has made considerable progress in the social, technological, and scientific fields due to our system of free and universal public education and to our qualified and dedicated teachers, who have equipped their students with the skills necessary to achieve their full potential; and WHEREAS, Given the pivotal role that educators play in the lives of young people, the National Education Association and the National Parent Teacher Association are recognizing May 2-8, 2004, as Teacher Appreciation Week; at this time, it is a pleasure to honor an outstanding Texas educator, Gracie Minyard, for her exemplary contributions in the field of education; and WHEREAS, The 2003 District Intel Technology Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Minyard was born and raised in Edinburg and earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in education from Pan American University; and WHEREAS, Currently an AP government teacher at Economedes High School in Edinburg, Mrs. Minyard has long made a positive difference in the lives of her students; in addition to her role inside the classroom, she serves as a member of the District Curriculum Development Committee, and she sponsors her school's mock trial team, which placed first this year in regional competition and eighth in statewide competition under her guidance; and WHEREAS, Representative Aaron Peña, in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, has appropriately recognized this outstanding educator for her steadfast commitment to public education; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby honor Gracie Minyard for her exceptional efforts in behalf of students and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mrs. Minyard as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Peña ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 154 was adopted by the House on May 17, 2004, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House