78S40942 BJM-D

By:  Pena                                                         H.R. No. 168



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, Hilda Araiza, for her 
exemplary contributions in the field of education; and
	WHEREAS, An Edinburg native and graduate of The University of 
Texas--Pan American, where she earned a bachelor's degree in 
interdisciplinary studies with a minor in bilingual education and a 
master's degree in guidance and counseling, Mrs. Araiza began her 
distinguished career as a second-grade teacher at Freddy Gonzalez 
Elementary School; currently the Advancement Via Individual 
Determination (AVID) coordinator and an AVID teacher at Edinburg 
High School, she is pledged to encouraging students to continue 
their education at postsecondary institutes; as a result of her 
stellar work, countless students have pursued college degrees and 
Edinburg High School has been honored with the status of National 
Demonstration Site, a first for any South Texas school; 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 Hilda Araiza 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. Araiza as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.