SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 440
         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 Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
  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 from the
  Texas Senate.
 
  Eckhardt
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on April 19, 2023.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate