84R3417 RMA-D
By: Herrero H.R. No. 293
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Maria Aly Rafael has been named a 2014 Corpus
Christi Caller-Times/Citgo South Texas Distinguished Scholar in
recognition of her achievements in the Service and Leadership
category; and
WHEREAS, The Caller-Times/Citgo South Texas Distinguished
Scholars program was established to reward local students who have
demonstrated excellence in such areas as academics, athletics,
leadership, and community service; since its inception in 1988,
some 480 young men and women have been selected for this prestigious
honor, with the winners each receiving a stipend to assist with
college expenses; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Dr. Marita Rafael and Alexander
Rafael, Maria Rafael is a senior at King High School, where she
maintains a 105 grade point average and ranks sixth in her class of
536; she has participated in a variety of extracurricular
activities, including the student council, the Spanish National
Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the chemistry
club, the Coastal Bend Filipino American Association, and Mission
Fit Possible, and she also serves as parliamentarian of the Alpha
Beta Honor Society and as historian of the Interact club; in
addition, Ms. Rafael is an accomplished pianist who has performed
at Carnegie Hall three times, as well as in France, Poland, and
Norway, and she regularly competes in local, regional, and national
contests; after graduation, she plans to study pre-med at The
University of Texas with the ultimate goal of becoming a heart
surgeon; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional young Texan has pursued her goals
with tremendous dedication, and she may take great pride in all that
she has accomplished as she looks ahead to a future bright with
promise; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Maria Rafael on her selection as a
2014 Corpus Christi Caller-Times/Citgo South Texas Distinguished
Scholar and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued
success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Rafael as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.