H.R. No. 2531
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Philip Hayes of Lindale received a $150,000
scholarship by winning the History Whiz Kids Debate at the National
Constitution Center in Philadelphia in August 2008; and
WHEREAS, This first annual national debate competition was
sponsored by Now Debate This, an online educational program
dedicated to involving high school students in creatively exploring
American history and civics and the way they affect contemporary
issues; and
WHEREAS, Now a senior at Lindale High School, Mr. Hayes was
one of the competition's 16 semifinalists, chosen from more than
200 contestants who submitted videos on YouTube; and
WHEREAS, The topic for the debate asked whether George
Washington or Abraham Lincoln was the better president; arguing on
behalf on George Washington, Mr. Hayes was chosen as the winner by
the audience at the National Constitution Center and by viewers
casting their votes online; his victory was announced and his
scholarship presented to him the day after the debate on the Fox and
Friends television show; and
WHEREAS, The son of Ron and Janet Hayes, Mr. Hayes has been
active throughout his high school years as a member of the Speech
and Debate Club, the school band, and the LHS Young Republicans
Club; he is also president of the Lindale Library Teen Advisory
Board and an Eagle Scout; and
WHEREAS, This notable young Texan's skills as a speaker and
debater have previously been recognized with a third place win in
the University Interscholastic League 2008 Lincoln-Douglas Debate
and a second place win in the National Sons of the American
Revolution Oratory Contest, and he was invited to address the
Republican National Convention in St. Paul in September 2008; in
the spring of 2009, Mr. Hayes earned the distinction of being
elected to the city council of Hideaway at the age of 18, and he was
sworn into office on May 12; and
WHEREAS, Philip Hayes is an outstanding orator whose
knowledge of history and ability to communicate effectively have
started him firmly on his path to success; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Philip Hayes on winning the History
Whiz Kids Debate in 2008 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. Hayes as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Merritt
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2531 was adopted by the House on May
26, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House