H.R. No. 724
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Mario Cruz was recognized by the Austin History
Center in conjunction with its exhibit Mexican American Firsts:
Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County; and
WHEREAS, Honoring the important contributions made by
Mexican Americans to Central Texas, the Austin History Center and
its association joined with the Austin Public Library to organize
the show, which ran from August 21, 2010, through January 16, 2011;
Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County
celebrated the pioneering achievements of 32 remarkable men and
women and provided the public with an opportunity to learn more
about their lives; and
WHEREAS, One such individual, Mario Cruz, was honored for his
achievements in the humanities; a graduate of Angelo State
University, he earned his master's degree in guidance and
counseling from Texas Tech University and began his career in 1971,
becoming the first Hispanic school counselor in the Austin
Independent School District; and
WHEREAS, While working at Johnston High School, Mr. Cruz
encouraged the institution's leaders to include Chicano history
lessons in all social studies classes, and he was instrumental in
hiring more Hispanic teachers, counselors, and administrators; he
also benefited students at St. Edward's University as a summer
counselor with the Migrant Summer Program for 20 years; retired
from AISD since 2002, he has returned to the district to serve as a
part-time counselor at Zavala Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Mario Cruz has made a positive difference in his
community, and his outstanding accomplishments are a source of
pride and inspiration to many people; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Mario Cruz on his selection as a
Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County and extend
to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Cruz as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Rodriguez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 724 was adopted by the House on March
17, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House