SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 509

WHEREAS, Katherine Thomas of Plano has been named a Distinguished Finalist in the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, earning recognition as one of the top youth volunteers in Texas; and

WHEREAS, Sponsored by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Spirit of Community Awards annually honors students in middle school and high school who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; this year, more than 30,000 teens from across the nation were considered for recognition; and

WHEREAS, A 17-year-old junior at Plano West Senior High School, Katherine Thomas used a $3,000 grant from Dell to organize a free summer computer programming and robotics class for 50 children, which she taught with the help of students from The University of Texas; additionally, she is a member of the FIRST LEGO League sixth-place world team, and she has volunteered her time and talents with a local Girl Scout troop, teaching and serving as a mentor in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math; and

WHEREAS, Katherine Thomas has shown remarkable initiative and determination in the pursuit of a worthy goal, and this outstanding young Texan is a source of inspiration to all who are privileged to know her; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby congratulate Katherine Thomas on her selection as a Distinguished Finalist in the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Katherine Thomas as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Taylor of Collin

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 7, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate