87R13109 BPG-D
 
  By: Fierro H.R. No. 273
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Residents of El Paso were profoundly saddened by the
  loss of beloved educator Zelene Blancas, who passed away on
  December 28, 2020, at the age of 35; and
         WHEREAS, The daughter of Victor A. Blancas and Gloria Luna,
  Zelene Blancas was born on November 19, 1985; she grew up with a
  brother, Mario, and was like a second mother to him, even though she
  was just four years older; eventually, she became the devoted aunt
  of one niece, Natalia; she also cherished her two canine "babies,"
  Rocky and Chico; and
         WHEREAS, Ms. Blancas majored in bilingual, multilingual, and
  multicultural education at The University of Texas at El Paso;
  after completing her bachelor's degree, she went on to earn a
  master's degree in bilingual and multilingual education from Texas
  Tech University; and
         WHEREAS, A gifted educator with a decade of experience,
  Ms. Blancas taught first grade at Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary
  School, where many of her students were English language learners;
  she focused on social and emotional development as well as
  academics, encouraging compassion and positive relationships;
  fostering a nurturing environment, she let the children choose from
  a menu of good morning and goodbye salutes, including hugs,
  handshakes, and high fives, and when she posted a video of them
  happily sharing such friendly greetings, it touched hearts across
  the country, receiving more than 22 million views on Twitter; and
         WHEREAS, In the wake of the mass shooting in El Paso,
  Ms. Blancas helped the school heal through a collaboration with
  Pinksocks Life, and she volunteered with the organization, which
  promotes kindness and empathy; when her campus switched to remote
  learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she supported her
  students by delivering care packages to each one; in her free time,
  she was writing and illustrating a children's book; the Socorro
  American Federation of Teachers placed a memorial bench and plaque
  on the Shook Elementary campus in her honor in February 2020; and
         WHEREAS, Zelene Blancas brightened the world for all who were
  fortunate enough to know her, and although she is greatly missed,
  her warmth, generosity, and optimism will remain a lasting source
  of inspiration; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Zelene Blancas and
  extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn her passing; and, be it
  further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
  Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Zelene
  Blancas.