H.R. No. 654 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Petronila Elementary School in Robstown has been named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School, one of the most prestigious designations an elementary or secondary school in the United States can receive; and WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was created by the U.S. Department of Education in 1982 to recognize campuses that have demonstrated superior academic performance or made notable progress in improving outcomes among economically disadvantaged students; Petronila Elementary was one of only 330 public and private schools nationwide and 29 schools in Texas to have earned this impressive honor in 2016; and WHEREAS, Under the skillful guidance of principal Richard Gutierrez, Petronila Elementary serves some 100 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade in the Bishop Consolidated Independent School District; in 2016, the school received distinctions from the Texas Education Agency in English language arts and reading, mathematics, postsecondary readiness, student progress, and closing performance gaps; and WHEREAS, Through dedication, hard work, and perseverance, the teachers and students of Petronila Elementary have established a record of scholastic excellence, and their outstanding efforts have been duly recognized with the Blue Ribbon School award; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Petronila Elementary School on its selection as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and extend to all those involved with the school sincere best wishes for the future; 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. Herrero ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 654 was adopted by the House on March 9, 2017, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House