SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 153

In Memory

of

Arcadia Hernandez Lopez

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of San Antonio in mourning the loss of Arcadia Hernandez Lopez, who died January 16, 2007, at the age of 97; and

WHEREAS, Arcadia was born December 21, 1909, in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and came to San Antonio at a very young age; she graduated from high school in San Antonio and from college with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and education; she went on to earn a master's degree in education from The University of Texas at Austin and a doctorate from Nova University in Florida; and

WHEREAS, Arcadia was a pioneer in the field of bilingual education; she experienced the personal frustration of being a Spanish-speaking student during her early years in school, which served as a catalyst to her career in education and her pioneering efforts in bilingual education; and

WHEREAS, Arcadia worked for the San Antonio Independent School District for 46 years, 33 years as a teacher and 13 years as the district's supervisor and coordinator of bilingual programs; after her retirement from the district in 1980, she joined Our Lady of the Lake University and became director of its bilingual training program; and

WHEREAS, Arcadia received numerous awards recognizing her dedication to education, including the Ford Salute to Education and the San Antonio Light's Woman of the Year Award; the San Antonio chapter of Women in Communications honored her with its Headliner Award, and in 1989, she was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, A woman of courage, determination, and compassion, she gave generously to others, and her wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew her; and

WHEREAS, Arcadia was devoted to her family and friends, and she will be remembered with affection and appreciation by all those who were privileged to share in her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Arcadia Hernandez Lopez: her nieces, Gloria Hernandez Saucedo and Helen Rangel Ortega; and her nephews, Manuel E. Rangel and Geronimo Ybarra; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the members of her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Arcadia Hernandez Lopez. Van de Putte

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on Feburary 5, 2007, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate