H.R. No. 595



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Members of the 2003 Capitol Scholars Program are 
visiting the house chamber on March 27, 2003, to be honored for 
their award-winning entries in the Capitol Scholars Essay Contest; 
and
	WHEREAS, The group is composed of students from Northbrook 
High School, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, St. Agnes Academy, 
and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Houston who prepared 
essays exploring one of the following topics: private school 
vouchers, the top 10 percent rule, public school funding, or the 
lack of a "life without parole" sentencing option for capital 
crimes in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Selected for their excellent essays as well as for 
their involvement in extracurricular activities, these students 
earned the opportunity to come to Austin and meet with a number of 
public officials, including Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant 
Governor David Dewhurst, Speaker Tom Craddick, Texas Supreme Court 
Justice Michael Schneider, Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, 
and Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson; and
	WHEREAS, During their visit, the students are broadening 
their knowledge of the Lone Star State's storied history and 
government by taking tours of the Capitol Complex and the Bob 
Bullock Museum; and
	WHEREAS, This year's winners of the essay contest are 
Madeline Tarillion, Julia Gonzalez, Rochelle Mellish, Clint 
Mendonca, Basel Murad, Jerneice Perelion, Meghan Perley, and Lauren 
Schell; Pat Waldrop, Jerry Crist, and Barbara Finch are serving as 
the group's chaperones; and
	WHEREAS, Through their interest in state government and 
participation in their community, the members of the scholars group 
have demonstrated leadership and an understanding of the need for 
citizen involvement that is certain to serve this state well in 
years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize the Capitol Scholars group and honor 
these fine young men and women for a job well done; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the participants and advisors of the Capitol Scholars 
Program as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of 
Representatives.

                                                                         Woolley
                                                                           Nixon

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 595 was adopted by the House on March 
27, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House