SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 54

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Derek Rodriguez, who was recently accepted into the Gates Millennium Scholars Program; and

WHEREAS, The Arlington High School student is one of 1,000 young people nationwide to earn a 2013 Gates Millennium Scholarship; the scholarship pays for the recipient's entire college career through graduate school; and

WHEREAS, A two-year drum major and saxophone player, Derek has a promising future; he plans to attend Texas State University in San Marcos and to become a pediatric oncologist; and

WHEREAS, As a young child, Derek was diagnosed with cancer, and he credits a Fort Worth cancer specialist, Dr. Paul Bowman, with saving his life; the outstanding care Derek received inspired him to follow in the doctor's footsteps; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1999, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program is designed to provide financial support for academically advanced minority students during their college years; recipients of scholarships must be planning to study computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, or general sciences; and

WHEREAS, As a scholarship recipient, Derek Rodriguez serves as a role model for other young Texans; he illustrates what is possible when a student aims high and stays the course, and he deserves praise for his accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Derek Rodriguez on earning a Gates Millennium Scholarship; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Derek Rodriguez as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Davis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 12, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate