SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1008

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great pleasure in recognizing Ruby Howell, who recently participated in a graduation ceremony at Madisonville High School at the age of 86, after having earned her diploma a year ago; and

WHEREAS, Known affectionately as Miss Ruby to her teachers and fellow students, Ruby reluctantly left school at age 14 to help provide for her family when her father became ill; and

WHEREAS, Now married to her third husband, Ruby has been blessed with two children, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild; over the years, she held on to the dream of earning a high school diploma, and at the urging of her current husband, she returned to school to achieve her goal; and

WHEREAS, Despite her surprise at the change in name from arithmetic to mathematics and the imposition of the essay form on her natural storytelling abilities, Ruby flourished as a student, and her determination to earn her diploma has inspired all those who know her; and

WHEREAS, Ruby Howell has shown that age is no barrier to learning, and it is truly fitting that she be recognized for her exemplary and exceptional achievement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby congratulate Ruby Howell on earning her high school diploma and participating in her graduation ceremony at the age of 86 and extend to her best wishes for continued success in all her endeavors; and, be it further

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

Schwertner

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 17, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate