85R9648 CJM-D By: Reynolds H.R. No. 449 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, A delegation from Willowridge High School in Houston is visiting Austin on February 23, 2017, to celebrate Willowridge High School Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Part of the Fort Bend Independent School District, Willowridge High serves neighborhoods in Houston, Pearland, and other areas in Fort Bend County; under the expert guidance of principal Thomas Graham, the dedicated faculty and staff lead the education of some 1,300 students in 9th through 12th grade; and WHEREAS, The school is known for its extracurricular programs, in particular its Mighty Eagle Marching Band, which has developed a reputation for excellence from its first place wins in the MLK and All-American Battles of the Bands; led by directors Ronald Thornton, Delcenia Hill, and Robert Jackson, the band has performed at the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl and participated in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; moreover, the school's basketball program is outstanding, and in 2001, it achieved the rare feat of having two of its players, Daniel Ewing and T. J. Ford, named to the McDonald's All-American Team; and WHEREAS, Committed to effectively addressing student needs, Willowridge High School is helping area youth to succeed academically and to realize their full potential, and in so doing, it is building a solid foundation for the future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 23, 2017, as Willowridge High School Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those in attendance sincere best wishes for a meaningful, memorable visit; 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.