SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1051
WHEREAS, The University Interscholastic League is
celebrating its 100th anniversary beginning in the summer of
2009; and
WHEREAS, The organization traces its roots back to June 7,
1909, when The University of Texas Board of Regents voted funds
for the creation of an extension bureau; this led to the
establishment of two programs, the Debating League of Texas High
Schools and the Interscholastic Athletic Association, which
merged in 1913 to form the University Interscholastic League; and
WHEREAS, Now operating under the vice president for
diversity and community engagement, the University
Interscholastic League is the largest organization of its kind in
the nation; providing Texas high school students with
opportunities for competition in academics, athletics, and
music, the organization oversees extracurricular contests in a
wide array of fields; by fostering a natural desire to excel, the
competitions encourage students to hone their talents and
cultivate skills that will forever enrich their lives;
involvement in the University Interscholastic League also helps
young people to develop such invaluable traits as
self-confidence, self-discipline, perseverance, and a sense of
fair play; and
WHEREAS, The University Interscholastic League annually
provides over two million educational competition opportunities
for Texas student participants, and those who have shared in that
experience include Lyndon B. Johnson, Ann Richards, Barbara
Jordan, Earl Campbell, Bill Moyers, and Sandra Day O'Connor;
moreover, the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation has
presented scholarships to gifted students taking part in the
University Interscholastic League Academic State Meet for some
five decades; today, the foundation annually awards more than a
million dollars in grants to over 600 students who will be
attending colleges and universities in Texas; and
WHEREAS, At its centennial, the University Interscholastic
League remains an institution of immeasurable importance to
students in Texas public schools, and it is a privilege to
recognize its continuing role in shaping the future leaders of
the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of the
University Interscholastic League and extend to all those
associated with the organization sincere best wishes for
continued success in all their endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of the University Interscholastic League.
Watson
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 27, 2009.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate