H.R. No. 270



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The dedication of Rodolfo "Rudy" Silva, Jr., 
Elementary School in Weslaco is a tribute to the inspirational life 
of a beloved educator and friend in this close-knit community; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Rudy Silva advocated 
education and hard work as the keys to opportunity, a precept 
stressed by his parents during his boyhood; a native of the South 
Texas city of Donna, where he was born in 1944, he earned a 
bachelor's degree in elementary education from The University of 
Texas-Pan American, becoming the first member of his family to 
graduate from college; and
	WHEREAS, Accepting a post as a third-grade teacher, Mr. Silva 
embarked on an outstanding career with the Weslaco Independent 
School District; after receiving a master's degree, he worked as an 
assistant principal and soon took on his defining role as the 
principal of an elementary school; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Silva was fervently committed to the belief that 
all children are entitled to a quality education and to loving 
encouragement as they strive to succeed; fired by those guiding 
principles, he was instrumental in providing an environment of 
absolute support for his young charges, including out-of-town field 
trips and special events to honor and celebrate the achievements of 
students in his school; and
	WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his wife, Jeannie, and their three 
daughters, Anna and Dalinda Silva and Michelle Silva Castellanos, 
Mr. Silva was greatly admired for establishing a warm relationship 
with his "family" of associates and students, as well; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman shared his extraordinary 
passion for educating children and guiding them to excellence with 
colleagues in the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors 
Association, which honored him as District 1 Member of the Year; he 
was also active in the community, giving of his time as a valued 
member of El Principe de Paz United Methodist Church and the Knapp 
Medical Center Board of Trustees; moreover, he was a model of 
determination and persistence for his fellow citizens as he met the 
many challenges of diabetes, a disease that eventually claimed his 
life, though never his indomitable spirit; and
	WHEREAS, For more than 3-1/2 decades, Rudy Silva demonstrated 
an unwavering commitment to the children of the Weslaco Independent 
School District, and his loving nature and generosity will surely 
live on in the hearts and minds of all those whose lives he touched; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of Rodolfo "Rudy" 
Silva, Jr., Elementary School and honor the memory of Mr. Silva for  
his devotion to the residents of Weslaco; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared  
for Mr. Silva's family and for Principal Luule Moreno and the staff 
and students of Rodolfo "Rudy" Silva, Jr., Elementary School as an 
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                            Wise

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 270 was adopted by the House on May 
10, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House