SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 47

WHEREAS, Four campuses in Texas Senate District 21, Falls City, Francisco Farias, and Roel A. & Celia R. Saenz Elementary Schools, along with Hector J. Garcia Early College High School, have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023; and

WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was created by the U.S. Department of Education in 1982 to recognize campuses that have demonstrated superior academic performance or made notable progress in improving outcomes among economically disadvantaged students; one of the most prestigious honors an elementary or secondary school in the United States can receive, the Blue Ribbon designation was awarded to only 353 schools in the nation and only 29 schools in Texas this year; and

WHEREAS, Falls City Elementary, which is led by principal Jessica Luna, serves approximately 255 students in the Falls City Independent School District, while Saenz Elementary serves nearly 550 students in Roma ISD under the guidance of principal Odette Garcia; part of Laredo ISD, Farias Elementary serves more than 560 students under the leadership of Vanessa Lynn Ortegon and Garcia ECHS serves nearly 400 students and is led by Margarita Taboada; Falls City Elementary, Saenz Elementary, and Garcia ECHS were nominated in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category, and Farias Elementary was recognized in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools category; and

WHEREAS, Through hard work and perseverance, the teachers and students of these exceptional campuses have established a strong record of scholastic achievement, and their outstanding efforts have been duly recognized with the Blue Ribbon School award; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby congratulate Falls City, Francisco Farias, and Roel A. & Celia R. Saenz Elementary Schools and Hector J. Garcia Early College High School on their selection as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education and extend to all those involved with the schools sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That official copies of this Resolution be prepared for the schools as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on November 30, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate