81R8531 MG-D By: Davis of Dallas H.R. No. 609 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Rites of Passage Program for Girls is hosting its third biennial Women of Wisdom banquet on February 28, 2009, in Dallas; and WHEREAS, Established in 1998, Rites of Passage Program for Girls is a nonprofit organization that offers a seven-year training and development program for young women beginning in the sixth grade; ROPP for Girls operates with a mission to affirm the positive aspects of passing from childhood to adulthood and to instill in its participants strong character traits and moral standards; the program emphasizes community involvement, cultural appreciation, healthy lifestyle choices, and the importance of self-esteem; and WHEREAS, The Women of Wisdom banquet honors five women who have made significant contributions to the Dallas community throughout their lives; proceeds from the event will offset the travel expenses of junior and senior level ROPP participants to attend a two-week, educational and service-oriented trip to Ghana, West Africa, during summer 2009; and WHEREAS, ROPP for Girls is a noteworthy program that encourages good citizenship, compassion, and service, and its efforts are helping to ensure a bright future for many young Texans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the Women of Wisdom banquet and extend to all those associated with Rites of Passage Program for Girls sincere best wishes for a memorable and successful event; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for ROPP for Girls as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.