By: Gonzales of Hidalgo H.R. No. 59
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Jan Epton Seale of McAllen has been named Texas Poet
Laureate for 2012; and
WHEREAS, The state's poet laureates are chosen for the
exceptional quality of their work and for their outstanding
commitment to the arts in Texas; they are among the state artists
who are recognized for work that defines the character of a place
and reflects the distinctive qualities that make Texas unique; and
WHEREAS, Jan Seale is the author of six books of poetry,
including The Wonder Is: New and Selected Poems 1974-2004, and her
published works further include a book of short fiction, Airlift, a
textbook for memoir writers, and nine children's books; her poetry
and prose have appeared in Texas Monthly, The Yale Review, and the
Chicago Tribune, as well as in many anthologies, and have been
broadcast over National Public Radio; and
WHEREAS, This gifted artist is the recipient of a National
Endowment for the Arts creative writing fellowship in poetry, the
Kathryn Morris Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of Texas, and
the Bill Burke Award and Dolly Sprunk Memorial Award from the New
York Poetry Forum; in addition, she is a seven-time winner of the
PEN Syndicated Fiction Award; and
WHEREAS, A native of Pilot Point, Ms. Seale earned a
bachelor's degree at the University of Louisville and a master's
degree from the University of North Texas; she has taught at The
University of Texas-Pan American and UNT and has held readings and
workshops in cities across Texas and the nation; and
WHEREAS, Jan Seale has won the hearts of countless people
with her evocative and witty language, and she is indeed a worthy
choice for this prestigious honor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Jan Seale on her appointment as
2012 Texas Poet Laureate and extend to her sincere best wishes for a
rewarding year; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Seale as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.