H.R. No. 453
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Mendoza Debate Society of Lee College has added
to its impressive record of success by winning the International
Public Debate Association National Community College Debate
Championship for the third year in a row; and
WHEREAS, The top-ranked debate program in Texas for the
2015-2016 IPDA season, the Mendoza Debate Society delivered the
highest-scoring performance in the 19-year history of the
championship, capping a season that brought the team more than 150
awards; the debaters were also named Season Long Community College
Champions, and Joe Ganakos, Lee College director of forensics, was
recognized as 2016 IPDA Bennett Strange Coach of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Led by captains Kyle Diamond and Rigo Ruiz, the
debate society earned an all-time record for points in the Team
Division National Championship, while members Emmanuel Perez and
Josh Lyrock placed third; Jerry McCauley was named 2015-2016 IPDA
Junior Varsity National Champion, while Mr. Diamond was the Varsity
Division National Runner-Up and National Championship Tournament
Varsity Finalist; and
WHEREAS, These gifted young debaters have exhibited
remarkable skill, drive, and determination, and they have earned
great distinction for themselves, their school, and the State of
Texas; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Mendoza Debate Society of Lee
College on winning the 2016 IPDA National Community College Debate
Championship and extend to the team's members sincere best wishes
for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Mendoza Debate Society as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Cain
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 453 was adopted by the House on March
2, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House