83S10090 BK-D By: Price H.R. No. 138 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Benjamin Taylor Sharp graduated as the valedictorian of the senior class of Borger High School on May 31, 2013; and WHEREAS, Earning the title of valedictorian requires not only intellect and aptitude, but also four years of dedication to the highest academic standards; to attain this coveted distinction, Mr. Sharp demonstrated a thorough understanding of a wide range of subjects, and the rewards of the countless hours he has devoted to his studies are myriad; and WHEREAS, The son of Les and Melanie Sharp, Mr. Sharp has ranked at the top of his class during all four years of high school; he has been a frequent and highly accomplished UIL competitor in mathematics, calculator, literary criticism, and editorial writing, winning first-place honors at multiple events in each category; moreover, he was recognized as a National Merit Scholar Commended Student in his senior year while concurrently serving as president of the National Honor Society and student council; and WHEREAS, This multitalented young man has further distinguished himself as an all-around athlete; a mainstay on the football team, he also played freshman and junior varsity basketball, and he so excelled in baseball that he received the Silver Slugger Award as the top offensive player; rounding out an already impressive list of activities, he was a tenor in choir, where he earned top honors in regional and statewide competitions, and he played a leading role in the Borger High School musical production of My Fair Lady; and WHEREAS, In addition to his many achievements as a scholar, athlete, and performer, Mr. Sharp has found time to give back to communities near and far; for three years, he volunteered in inner-city neighborhoods as part of an initiative undertaken by Houston's First Baptist Church, and he is a four-time participant in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine, a fund-raiser to fight global hunger; an active congregant at Faith Covenant Church, he has helped lead the youth group and shared his gifts as a vocalist, guitarist, and keyboard player; and WHEREAS, Mr. Sharp's truly outstanding efforts have won him a host of awards, including a presidential scholarship to Texas Tech University, where he plans to pursue degrees in economics and English; and WHEREAS, Throughout his academic career, Benjamin Sharp has earned the respect and admiration of his teachers and classmates alike, and his exceptional scholastic ability, hard work, and commitment to excellence have opened the way to limitless opportunities for this remarkable young Texan; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Benjamin Taylor Sharp, valedictorian of the Borger High School Class of 2013, and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success as he begins the next exciting chapter of his life; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Sharp as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.