78S40939 BJM-D

By:  Pena                                                         H.R. No. 164



R 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, Ester Torres, for her 
exemplary contributions in the field of education; and
	WHEREAS, Having spent much of her childhood traveling across 
the United States as a migrant worker, Mrs. Torres was determined to 
better her life through education; inspired to become a teacher 
after assisting with an ESL class in her high school days, she 
joined the United States Air Force in order to finance her 
education, and in the spring of 1986, her dream became a reality 
when she graduated from Pan American University; and
	WHEREAS, For the past 18 years, she has served the students of 
Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School in Edinburg with great pride 
and distinction, benefiting the lives of countless individuals; 
currently a bilingual kindergarten teacher, she also coaches UIL 
storytelling and sponsors the cheerleaders and the chess club; in 
addition to being chosen to represent her school at TEA functions, 
this notable and accomplished woman has helped design curriculum, 
assisted in the development of district assessments, presented at 
the Texas State Migrant Conference, and served as a mentor teacher 
to university students; and
	WHEREAS, Representative Aaron Peña, in celebration of 
Teacher Appreciation Week, has appropriately recognized this 
remarkable 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 Ester Torres for her 
exceptional efforts in behalf of her 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. Torres as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.