H.R. No. 2697 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The year 2009 marks the 100th anniversary of Texas PTA, and this momentous occasion provides a welcome opportunity to honor the organization for its myriad efforts in behalf of children, families, and schools; and WHEREAS, Texas PTA has served Texas parents, students, school administrators, and teachers since its inception on October 19, 1909; today, more than 600,000 members are involved in the organization, which includes nearly 3,000 local PTAs across the state; and WHEREAS, Ella Caruthers Porter formed the first mother's club in 1896 in Hillsboro and went on to establish a Texas branch of the National Congress of Mothers in 1909 at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas; early on, members of Texas PTA worked to raise awareness about the conditions affecting children's lives through a variety of educational campaigns; in addition, they advocated for the establishment of kindergartens and the creation of a child welfare commission, and they urged laws promoting the health of public school students; and WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings a century ago, Texas PTA has become a champion for the education and well-being of every child and a vital resource for families and communities, and the state is indeed a better place for the tireless contributions of its many members; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of Texas PTA and commend its members, both past and present, for their work to ensure the quality of education for the children of Texas; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Texas PTA as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Pitts ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2697 was adopted by the House on May 31, 2009, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House