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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 647

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize a group of outstanding young people who have been 
selected as Young Texas Heroes and to proclaim April 22, 2003, 
as Young Heroes Day; and

	WHEREAS, The Rotary Club District 5870 has selected four 
outstanding young citizens to honor as Young Texas Heroes; these 
individuals have excelled in academics, and they have made a 
difference in their community; they have overcome adversity 
and have inspired others through their deeds and strength of 
character; and

	WHEREAS, Zana Gardner, age 17, has overcome personal 
adversity to earn honor roll grades at Lanier High School 
in Austin; one of six children in a single-parent home, she 
participates in a multitude of student activities while holding 
down two jobs to help support her family; once labeled an at-risk 
student, she is now a counselor to teenage girls; due to her 
perseverance, her academic excellence, and her diligence, Zana 
is well on her way to becoming the first member of her family to 
attend college and to fulfill her dream of becoming a social 
worker dedicated to helping abused children; and

	WHEREAS, Jonathan Hawkins, age 17, is a student at Yoakum 
High School in Yoakum; he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when 
he was one year old; undaunted by his physical challenges, Jon 
maintains a 3.6 grade point average, plays the trumpet with his 
school's marching and jazz bands, serves on the student council, 
and works as a reporter for the school's newspaper; Jon has a 
particular interest in coaching for the Special Olympics; this 
year Jon trained a fifth-grade student with muscular dystrophy 
who won two gold medals in this highly regarded athletic 
competition; Jonathan's peers admire and respect him for his 
tenacity and for the inspiration and encouragement he gives to 
others; and

	WHEREAS, Kristina Kelley, age 16, is a student at 
Smithville High School in Smithville; this young hero has 
overcome personal family problems to excel in her daily life; she
is equally devoted to service to her school, to her community, 
and to her studies; Kristina has dedicated more than 250 hours 
of her time to various community service projects, and she is a 
member of her award-winning high school band; she participates in 
the Peer Assisted Leadership Program, where she helps children to 
cope with the challenges of growing up; she is ranked seventh 
academically in her class, is an award-winning debater, and has 
been the recipient of a Law Enforcement Service Award; and

	WHEREAS, William Barton, age 17, attends Groesbeck High 
School in Groesbeck; as a Groesbeck Goat football player, William 
suffered a major injury during a game with Lorena High School; he 
underwent two separate surgeries that resulted in the amputation 
of one of his legs below the knee; when friends reached out to 
console him, they found a young man at peace with himself, who 
felt no rancor toward the player who caused his injury; to the 
contrary, William had accepted the risks he had taken as an 
athlete; he is a shining example of courage and a model of 
strength of character to others; and

	WHEREAS, The Rotary Club District 5870 has also given 
special recognition to five other young people who have 
demonstrated the characteristics of a hero; these young people 
are Michael Olson, age 10, of Round Rock; Princeton Howell, age 10,
of Killeen; Eric Levels, age 18, of Mexia; Lindsey Carmichael, age
17, of Lago Vista; and Jessica Gardner, age 14, of Harker Heights; 
and

	WHEREAS, These remarkable young citizens have brought 
much honor to themselves, their families, their schools, their 
communities, and their state, and all Texans should take great 
pride in their accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby commend these exemplary young Texans 
on their exceptional courage and achievements and extend best 
wishes to them for the future; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be prepared for 
them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                       Wentworth




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 22, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate