SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 322

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Justin Churchman of El Paso, who has been named one of the top youth volunteers in Texas for 2011 in the 16th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program; and

WHEREAS, These prestigious awards honor young people across America for outstanding volunteer service to their communities; the program is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals; and

WHEREAS, Justin is a senior at Coronado High School; he has raised more than $48,000 and recruited 75 volunteers to build 18 houses in Juarez, Mexico, even though many prospective volunteers were frightened away from the area because of the rampant drug wars; and

WHEREAS, When Justin was 12 years old, his school organized the building of a home in Juarez through Casas por Cristo; the experience changed Justin's life, and, while most volunteer groups stopped crossing the border because of the danger, Justin put together his own team of volunteers; and

WHEREAS, He first had to convince adults that he could take on the project; he then began planning and raising funds; he made speeches, wrote letters to obtain support from companies and individuals, and made arrangements for permits, insurance, and paperwork for the volunteers he recruited; he achieved his goal of completing 18 houses by his 18th birthday; and

WHEREAS, Justin was nominated by Coronado High School; he will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense paid trip in May to Washington, D.C., where he will join the top two honorees from each state; and

WHEREAS, The success and vitality of our communities, our state, and our American society depend in great measure upon the dedication of young people like Justin who use their time and talents to serve others; and

WHEREAS, Justin has shown by his example that he personifies the true spirit of giving; he is truly deserving of recognition for his dedication to the needs of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend Justin Churchman for his commitment to serving others and extend to him congratulations on being named one of Texas' top youth volunteers in the 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of the high regard of the Texas Senate.

Rodriguez

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 22, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate