85R27890 RMA-D

By: Minjarez H.R. No. 1920

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Venissia Villarreal, an assistant principal at Earl Warren High School in San Antonio, helped inspire the filing of Senate Bill 1152 during the 85th Texas Legislature; and

WHEREAS, During the 2016-2017 academic year, two students from Warren High took time off from school to take the oath of enlistment and to complete other requirements to prepare for their service in the United States military following graduation; their absences counted against their attendance record, as Texas law does not permit missing school for such a purpose, even though high school students are allowed up to two days of absences to visit college campuses; and

WHEREAS, In support of the students, Ms. Villarreal brought their stories to the attention of Texas State Senator José Menéndez, who subsequently introduced S.B. 1152 to address this issue; the legislation would allow students 17 years of age or older to miss up to four days of school for the purpose of pursuing enlistment in a branch of the U.S. armed services or the Texas National Guard; Ms. Villarreal also excused the students from school on March 8, 2017, so that they could travel to the State Capitol to testify before the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security; and

WHEREAS, Venissia Villarreal has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to teaching her students about the importance of civic engagement, and she is truly deserving of special recognition for her efforts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commend Venissia Villarreal for her part in inspiring Texas Senate Bill 1152 and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Villarreal as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.