85S12780 BK-D
By: Uresti H.C.R. No. 36
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The passing of John M. Arévalo of San Antonio on
July 16, 2017, at the age of 67, has deeply saddened his loved ones
and the many individuals whose lives he touched throughout his long
and rewarding career as an educator; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 29, 1949, to Johnny and Guadalupe
Arévalo, John Arévalo grew up with the companionship of his four
siblings, Oralia, Frank, Manuel, and Francisco, and he graduated
from Fox Tech, becoming the first in his family to earn a high
school diploma; he went on to complete bachelor's and master's
degrees at Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at San
Antonio, and he further distinguished himself through his service
with the United States Peace Corps; and
WHEREAS, During his four decades as a history teacher at
Harlandale High School, Mr. Arévalo left a lasting impression on
countless young people; he cared deeply about his students and
their success beyond the walls of his classroom, and he provided
many of them with invaluable mentorship and encouragement as they
attended college and pursued their goals; his passion for teaching
and his exceptional rapport with his students made him a role model
for other educators, and his outstanding work garnered him such
accolades as the Golden Rule Award; and
WHEREAS, In 1987, Mr. Arévalo began teaching at Palo Alto
College while continuing his work at Harlandale High, and he
further contributed to his profession through his efforts as vice
chair of the Advisory Council for the Hispanic Student Success
Program, an initiative begun by the Hispanic Association of
Colleges and Universities; he also served on a statewide task force
for the review of social studies curriculum requirements; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Arévalo married his high school sweetheart,
Margaret, in 1973, and they shared in the joy of raising two
treasured children, Alex and Diana; Mr. Arévalo delighted in
supporting them in all of their pursuits as they grew into
adulthood, and he watched with immense pride as his son graduated
with a medical degree from Washington University of Health and
Science and his daughter became a Texas state representative; and
WHEREAS, Through his earnest devotion to his family, his
students, and his life's work, John Arévalo was an inspiration to
all who had the good fortune to know him, and although he will be
deeply missed, memories of his sage advice, boundless compassion,
and remarkable generosity remain as a source of comfort to those he
leaves behind; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas,
1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of John
M. Arévalo and extend sincere condolences to his relatives and his
many friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
John Arévalo.