79R5135 MDM-D

By:  Hardcastle                                                   H.R. No. 377



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Nine decades of living a productive and satisfying 
life is truly a reason for celebration, and on February 26, 2005, 
Alwana Vaughan, affectionately known as Graham's Ambassador of 
Music, is observing this significant milestone; and
	WHEREAS, The delightful nonagenarian can claim as her 
grandfather John Henderson Wood, an Indian scout, Texas Ranger, and 
brick maker whose fine work may be seen today in a number of 
buildings still in use along the streets of Graham; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Vaughan and her husband, Lilburn, enjoyed a 
rewarding marriage for 58 years, until his passing, and although 
she had no children of her own, she has been adored by countless 
young people who took music lessons from her or benefited from her 
support of school activities; and
	WHEREAS, Never a shrinking violet, Mrs. Vaughan is an 
accomplished performer who readily took to the stage early on, and 
her impressive talents, in addition to piano playing, included 
singing on a radio show, winning a Charleston contest, and 
conducting the Graham Toy Symphony Band; and
	 WHEREAS, For 31 years, this generous soul enthusiastically 
shared her passion for music by teaching boys and girls of all 
aptitude levels; the respect and encouragement she gave each 
student surely fostered not only music appreciation but 
self-confidence and larger life lessons, as well; and
	WHEREAS, Since retiring in 1976, Mrs. Vaughan has continued 
to be involved with student council endeavors and musical 
productions at Graham High School, where she is an honorary member 
of the GHS Thespian Society and the band, and has volunteered as 
musical director and choreographer of the thespians' All-American 
Girl Pageant for three decades; and
	WHEREAS, Her musical talent has enhanced a host of local 
events, including the city's centennial celebration in 1972, a 
plethora of weddings and funerals, the Rotary Follies, events 
sponsored by the chamber of commerce, the Lady Lions and Kiwanis 
clubs, the First Baptist Church, of which she has been a member for 
77 years, and the First United Methodist Church, and a multitude of 
luncheons; and
	WHEREAS, An honorary Rotarian and organizer of the local 
chapter of the National Society of the Children of the American 
Revolution, Mrs. Vaughan is a 50-year member of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution and a charter member of the Graham Hospital 
Auxiliary and the Graham Concert Association; and
	WHEREAS, Recognized for her immeasurable contributions to 
her fellow residents of Graham, Mrs. Vaughan has deservedly 
received many accolades, including a 2000 Hero for Children Award 
presented for her donation of time and talents to education, and two 
Outstanding Citizen awards by the Graham Chamber of Commerce; and
	WHEREAS, Alwana Vaughan exemplifies the virtues of 
generosity, dedication, and community spirit, and it is a distinct 
pleasure to join in honoring her; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby heartily congratulate Alwana Vaughan on her 90th 
birthday and commend her for her exceptional contributions to her 
community; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mrs. Vaughan as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.