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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Matthew Draeger of Paris, Texas, has been named one |
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of the top two youth volunteers in Texas by the 2013 Prudential |
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Spirit of Community Awards program; and |
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WHEREAS, Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership |
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with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the |
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Spirit of Community Awards honor middle and high school students |
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who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their |
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fellow citizens; and |
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WHEREAS, A 15-year-old sophomore at Paris High School, |
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Mr. Draeger launched an innovative project known as Operation |
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Second Chance to aid disadvantaged families in the area; with the |
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help of friends, he approached local businesses and civic groups, |
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seeking items such as furniture, clothing, bedding, and toiletries |
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to be distributed to those in need; as part of the initiative, the |
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volunteers renovated several facilities that were used to store the |
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donations, and their campaign proved so successful that they |
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ultimately secured the use of half of a vacant factory to house |
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their inventory; to date, Operation Second Chance has collected |
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more than $1.3 million worth of goods and has benefited over 1,250 |
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families; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Draeger's recognition for his charitable work |
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includes a $1,000 cash prize and an engraved silver medallion; |
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moreover, in May 2013 he will join the other state honorees in |
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Washington, D.C., where 10 individuals will be selected as the top |
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volunteers in the nation; and |
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WHEREAS, Matthew Draeger has set an inspiring example of |
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resourcefulness, generosity, and civic engagement, and he is to be |
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commended for his exceptional efforts; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby congratulate Matthew Draeger on his selection as |
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one of the top two youth volunteers in Texas by the 2013 Prudential |
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Spirit of Community Awards program and extend to him sincere best |
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wishes for a bright future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Draeger as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |