H.R. No. 2751 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Romeo Garcia, a master's student at Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, has been awarded a full graduate fellowship to the Composition and Cultural Rhetoric doctoral program at Syracuse University; and WHEREAS, Once a homeless teenager in Harlingen, Mr. Garcia caught the attention of a caring high school guidance counselor who not only helped him with practical necessities such as food and clothing, but also persuaded him that success was attainable; she encouraged him to pursue his education, and he became the first member of his family to graduate from college when he earned a degree in English from Texas A&M University; and WHEREAS, Mr. Garcia subsequently enrolled in the rhetoric, composition, and borderland studies program at Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, where he also teaches composition to freshmen who face many of the same challenges he once did; he has garnered professional recognition for his research and won awards for his writing, and he received the 2012 Early Career Teacher of Color Award of Distinction from the National Council of Teachers of English; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to improving the lives of his students, Mr. Garcia has focused his research on using writing to increase retention and participation in college, especially among Mexican Americans; he knows firsthand the empowering experience of effective communication and hopes to inspire others to develop the skills to contribute their voice to community concerns; and WHEREAS, Romeo Garcia's passion for teaching and scholarship shows the promise of a bright future, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor him for his outstanding accomplishments thus far; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Romeo Garcia on earning a full graduate fellowship to Syracuse University and extend to him sincere best wishes for success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Garcia as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Herrero ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2751 was adopted by the House on May 26, 2013, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House