H.R. No. 1612 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Brooke Demars, an eighth-grader at Frank Black Middle School in Houston, won the African American National Spelling Bee Championships on February 28, 2015, in Houston; and WHEREAS, The goal of the African American National Spelling Bee Championships is to improve the spelling skills of African American middle school students, which in turn helps them to raise their reading level and expand their vocabulary; by preparing for the spelling bee, young people develop confidence and discipline, traits that are necessary to excel academically; and WHEREAS, Students from across Houston competed in two rounds of spelling bees for the opportunity to go to the main event; after advancing through the regional competition, Brooke Demars took first place at the national championships; and WHEREAS, This notable young Texan has distinguished herself with her hard work, determination, and poise under pressure, and she may indeed look forward to a future that is bright with promise; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Brooke Demars on winning the African American National Spelling Bee Championships and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Brooke Demars as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Elkins ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1612 was adopted by the House on April 23, 2015, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House