84R16349 BK-D
By: Herrero H.R. No. 1482
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Since 2007, the Rise School of Corpus Christi has
provided a unique and supportive learning environment for area
toddlers and preschoolers, including those with special needs; and
WHEREAS, The school was established by a Corpus Christi
couple who, after their son was born with Down syndrome in 2006,
began a search for an early childhood program that could offer
full-time educational and therapeutic services for young children
with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Discouraged by the lack of opportunities in the
area, the family discovered the "Rise" program in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama, which uses a research-based model in which children with
disabilities are integrated with nondisabled peers; this tested
approach, combined with other best practices in early childhood
education, has resulted in a higher level of achievement among
children in the program compared with more traditional learning
methods; and
WHEREAS, In order to make this state-of-the-art resource a
reality in Corpus Christi, a skilled and motivated staff of
community volunteers was recruited, and a partnership was forged
with Driscoll Children's Hospital; the Rise School of Corpus
Christi today builds on this strong foundation in its mission to
ensure its young charges every advantage in reaching their full
potential, and the school is also engaged in research, outreach,
and public awareness activities; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional institution is guided by an
outstanding board of directors, which includes president Amy
Keramian Brown, secretary Jennifer Childers, treasurer Frank
Hastings, and members Newman Baker, Adriana Lopez, Chrissy Royo,
Cammy Mikulencak, Karen McCaleb, Amanda Cutbirth, Butch Pool,
Jessica Davila-Burnett, Sarah Tindall, and Vanessa Nisbet; and
WHEREAS, Through the service rendered by these individuals
and the program's dedicated volunteers, the Rise School of Corpus
Christi is enhancing the quality of education enjoyed by young
children with diverse abilities, and in so doing, it is making a
difference in the lives of many young Texans and their families that
is truly beyond measure; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the Rise School of Corpus Christi and
extend to all those involved with the school sincere best wishes for
continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the school as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.