SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 734

WHEREAS, The first cohort of high school students to complete the Together for a Better Tomorrow Youth Citizen Scientist Program was honored during a graduation ceremony on May 20, 2023, in McAllen; and

WHEREAS, Launched in 2022 by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., and Texas A&M Health, the Youth Citizen Scientist Program is part of a two-year study of arsenic and other toxic contaminants found in drinking water supplies in border colonia communities in the Rio Grande Valley; the $1.5 million study funded by Methodist Healthcare Ministries is scheduled for completion in 2024, and its findings will help to create public policy solutions for improved water quality and to equip border residents with the tools they need to safeguard their overall health; and

WHEREAS, Fourteen students from the San Carlos community in Hidalgo County took part in the program: Jesús Barbosa, Stephani Barbosa, Evelyn Betancourt, Zugeily Cosino, Govanny Cruz, Martha J. Garza, Vanessa Ortiz, Darleny Reyes, Eunice Reyna, Evelyn Rodriguez, Omar Sánchez, Donaldo Sebastián, Aaron Sierra, and Suzette Valero; the students received 16 hours of training and hands-on research, and following completion of the program, they were credited with 10 hours of community service; in addition, they were presented with a Youth Citizen Scientist Certificate from Texas A&M Health, a letter of academic recommendation, and water filtration systems; and

WHEREAS, Participating schools in the Youth Citizen Scientist Program included Progreso High School, IDEA Edinburg, PSJA Collegiate School of Health Professions, PSJA Southwest Early College High School, IDEA Pharr, Donna North High School, and IDEA Alamo; and

WHEREAS, By taking part in the Youth Citizen Scientist Program, these outstanding young Texans have demonstrated a commendable interest in protecting the health and well-being of their fellow citizens, and they indeed merit special recognition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby honor the Rio Grande Valley high school students who completed the Together for a Better Tomorrow Youth Citizen Scientist Program and extend to them sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the students as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

LaMantia

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 29, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate