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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The University of Texas at Austin speech team |
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continued its tradition of excellence by winning the team |
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sweepstakes championship at the 2023 American Forensic Association |
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National Speech Tournament; and |
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WHEREAS, Competing from April 1 through 3 in Santa Ana, |
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California, UT triumphed over 56 other universities to collect its |
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second consecutive AFA national crown and the ninth in program |
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history; the Longhorns were sparked by the individual championship |
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performances of Valeria Najera in communication analysis, Kaylee |
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Frazier in dramatic interpretation, and Patrick Pham in prose |
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interpretation; and |
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WHEREAS, Additionally, five members of the UT squad achieved |
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top-six showings; advancing to the finals were René Otero in duo |
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interpretation, extemporaneous speaking, and impromptu speaking, |
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Fernando Cereceres in program oral interpretation and prose |
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interpretation, Kai Solis in duo interpretation, Jennifer Gonzalez |
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in poetry interpretation, and Kyle Ahern in prose interpretation; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Housed in the Department of Communication Studies |
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within the Moody College of Communication, the UT speech program is |
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directed by professor Martin "Randy" Cox; coaches Eva Margarita, |
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Clay Parker, Evan Ortiz, Karon Bowers, Katayoun Khalilian, and Erin |
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Swearingen also provide valuable support; and |
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WHEREAS, Demonstrating remarkable skill and determination, |
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the members of the UT speech team have once again earned the mantle |
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of national champion, and they may indeed reflect with pride on a |
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job well done; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature |
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hereby congratulate The University of Texas speech team on winning |
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the team sweepstakes championship at the 2023 American Forensic |
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Association National Speech Tournament and extend to the |
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competitors and coaches sincere best wishes for continued success; |
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and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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Senate. |