78R10066 JH-D

By:  Woolley                                                      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.