SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 322
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Justin Churchman of El Paso, who has been named one of
the top youth volunteers in Texas for 2011 in the 16th annual
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program; and
WHEREAS, These prestigious awards honor young people
across America for outstanding volunteer service to their
communities; the program is conducted by Prudential Financial in
partnership with the National Association of Secondary School
Principals; and
WHEREAS, Justin is a senior at Coronado High School; he has
raised more than $48,000 and recruited 75 volunteers to build 18
houses in Juarez, Mexico, even though many prospective
volunteers were frightened away from the area because of the
rampant drug wars; and
WHEREAS, When Justin was 12 years old, his school organized
the building of a home in Juarez through Casas por Cristo; the
experience changed Justin's life, and, while most volunteer
groups stopped crossing the border because of the danger, Justin
put together his own team of volunteers; and
WHEREAS, He first had to convince adults that he could take
on the project; he then began planning and raising funds; he made
speeches, wrote letters to obtain support from companies and
individuals, and made arrangements for permits, insurance, and
paperwork for the volunteers he recruited; he achieved his goal
of completing 18 houses by his 18th birthday; and
WHEREAS, Justin was nominated by Coronado High School; he
will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an
all-expense paid trip in May to Washington, D.C., where he will
join the top two honorees from each state; and
WHEREAS, The success and vitality of our communities, our
state, and our American society depend in great measure upon the
dedication of young people like Justin who use their time and
talents to serve others; and
WHEREAS, Justin has shown by his example that he
personifies the true spirit of giving; he is truly deserving of
recognition for his dedication to the needs of others; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby commend Justin Churchman for his commitment
to serving others and extend to him congratulations on being
named one of Texas' top youth volunteers in the 2011 Prudential
Spirit of Community Awards program; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of the high regard of the Texas Senate.
Rodriguez
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 22, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate