88R23119 CW-D
 
  By: Hinojosa H.R. No. 1126
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The University of Texas at Austin speech team
  continued its tradition of excellence by winning the team
  sweepstakes championship at the 2023 American Forensic Association
  National Speech Tournament; and
         WHEREAS, Competing from April 1 through 3 in Santa Ana,
  California, UT triumphed over 56 other universities to collect its
  second consecutive AFA national crown and the ninth in program
  history; the Longhorns were sparked by the individual championship
  performances of Valeria Najera in communication analysis, Kaylee
  Frazier in dramatic interpretation, and Patrick Pham in prose
  interpretation; and
         WHEREAS, Additionally, five members of the UT squad achieved
  top-six showings; advancing to the finals were René Otero in duo
  interpretation, extemporaneous speaking, and impromptu speaking,
  Fernando Cereceres in program oral interpretation and prose
  interpretation, Kai Solis in duo interpretation, Jennifer Gonzalez
  in poetry interpretation, and Kyle Ahern in prose interpretation;
  and
         WHEREAS, Housed in the Department of Communication Studies
  within the Moody College of Communication, the UT speech program is
  directed by professor Martin "Randy" Cox; coaches Eva Margarita,
  Clay Parker, Evan Ortiz, Karon Bowers, Katayoun Khalilian, and Erin
  Swearingen also provide valuable support; and
         WHEREAS, Demonstrating remarkable skill and determination,
  the members of the UT speech team have once again earned the mantle
  of national champion, and they may indeed reflect with pride on a
  job well done; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby congratulate The University of Texas speech team
  on winning the team sweepstakes championship at the 2023 American
  Forensic Association National Speech Tournament and extend to the
  competitors and coaches sincere best wishes for continued success;
  and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  House of Representatives.