H.R. No. 1169



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Belinda Cowan is retiring from her position as 
executive director of the McAllen Boys & Girls Club on April 7, 
2005, bringing to a close an exceptional career with the 
organization that has spanned more than 10 years; and
	WHEREAS, Under her exceptional leadership, the annual budget 
has grown from $500,000 to $1.5 million, and the number of children 
served by the club has more than tripled, increasing from 2,000 to 
7,400; moreover, she has ably overseen the organization's 63 
diversified programs and four units, including the new 
35,000-square-foot Glen E. and Rita K. Roney Center; and
	WHEREAS, Before her tenure with the Boys & Girls Club, Ms. 
Cowan enjoyed a 20-year career with the McAllen Police Department; 
the city's first female officer and sergeant, she spearheaded a 
host of youth-oriented initiatives, including the city's D.A.R.E. 
and Officer Friendly programs and Teen Court; and
	WHEREAS, In recognition of the indelible mark she has left on 
the community, March 28 was named a special day in her honor by the 
McAllen City Commission; Belinda Cowan may indeed reflect with 
pride on her successful career working in behalf of children, and 
with plans to eventually return to employment involving service to 
others, she will undoubtedly continue to benefit her city for years 
to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Belinda Cowan on her retirement as 
executive director of the McAllen Boys & Girls Club and extend to 
her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Ms. Cowan as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.

                                                                        Gonzales

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1169 was adopted by the House on April 
29, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House