SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 650 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Maria del Refugio "Cookie" Quintero Vela on her 2013 induction into the Junior Achievement of Laredo Business Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Junior Achievement of Laredo works in partnership with business leaders and educators to inspire young people and prepare them to succeed in today's complex global economy; and WHEREAS, Cookie Vela is a native of Laredo; she learned the importance of hard work and family values at a young age when, after her mother's untimely death, she was raised by her sister and her father, and she began working during high school to help her family meet its expenses; she has worked at such local establishments as Hachar Department Store, Union National Bank, and, most recently, Jett Bowling Lanes; and WHEREAS, Today, in addition to helping her husband, Roque Vela, manage the family's holdings, she is active in the San Martin de Porres Parish; she has been a member of the church's Guadalupanas for 20 years and has served as a lector for 15 years; she is a longtime vice regent for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Saint Mary Magdalene Court 1989; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Vela has been a valuable member of her community through her service on the board of Casa Misericordia and her work as an officeholder with the Women's City Club; she is truly deserving of recognition for the significant impact she has had on the civic life of her hometown of Laredo; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend Maria del Refugio "Cookie" Quintero Vela on her many achievements and extend congratulations to her on her induction into the Junior Achievement of Laredo Business Hall of Fame; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Zaffirini ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 15, 2013. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate