H.R. No. 1770 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Ismael Gonzalez has earned the Lifetime Service Award from the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to his community; and WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Mercedes, "Mike" Gonzalez graduated from high school in 1966 and attended The University of Texas--Pan American, where he was on the baseball team; he graduated in 1970, and that same year, he began a distinguished teaching and coaching career with the Mercedes Independent School District; and WHEREAS, Mr. Gonzalez was a respected and effective educator and coach at every level; he taught high school health and history while coaching baseball, basketball, football, and track; at Mercedes Junior High, he taught content mastery and served as head coach for all sports; in addition, he was responsible for many district and school tournaments for elementary students; and WHEREAS, Throughout his 29-year tenure with MISD, Mr. Gonzalez was an outstanding role model for students both in the classroom and on the athletic field; in recent years, he has continued to benefit area youth as a tutor at Kennedy Intermediate and Hinojosa and Travis Elementary Schools; and WHEREAS, A former member of Primera Iglesia Bautista of Mercedes, Mr. Gonzalez served his parish as Sunday school director, treasurer, children's church director, Christmas program director, vacation Bible school director, and youth counselor; he was also a member of the choir, two gospel groups, and the Valley Church Softball League; today, he is a member of Baptist Temple, where he volunteers as a greeter; in addition to his service with his church, he supports a number of worthwhile causes and generously donates to area charities; and WHEREAS, The civic spirit of Mike Gonzalez has greatly contributed to the vibrancy of his community, and his receipt of the Lifetime Service Award is yet another indication of the high regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Ismael "Mike" Gonzalez on receiving the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Service Award and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Gonzalez as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Martinez ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1770 was adopted by the House on May 11, 2009, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House