H.R. No. 876
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Vedha Vaddaraju is being presented with a First
Lady's Youth Volunteer Rising Star Award at the Governor's
Volunteer Awards reception at the Texas Governor's Mansion on April
19, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Administered by OneStar, the Texas state service
commission, this prestigious awards program honors exemplary
service by those who have made significant and measurable
contributions to Texas communities; the First Lady's Youth
Volunteer Rising Star category recognizes Texans 18 years of age
and younger who demonstrate leadership, commitment to service, and
the ability to inspire others of all ages to serve; and
WHEREAS, Vedha Vaddaraju, a student at Plano West Senior High
School, cofounded Letters of Gold with her best friend; early in the
COVID-19 pandemic, they launched the initiative to brighten the
days of health care workers by sending letters of encouragement;
the positive response led them to expand their efforts; forming
chapters in many local schools, and enlisting other volunteers from
around the world, they have coordinated and facilitated numerous
letter writing campaigns through the Letters of Gold website; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, Letters of Gold has provided
thousands of caring messages to people in need of motivation or a
meaningful connection, including domestic violence survivors,
cancer patients, Afghan refugees, and residents of senior housing;
Ms. Vaddaraju has offered monthly training sessions for other
youngsters to foster civic engagement, and she has used her
platform for other worthy endeavors, such as a book drive for Dallas
Independent School District libraries; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating leadership and compassion, Vedha
Vaddaraju has helped lift the spirits of countless people, and her
work in behalf of Letters of Gold has made her a role model for her
peers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Vedha Vaddaraju on her receipt of a
2023 First Lady's Youth Volunteer Rising Star Award and extend to
her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Vaddaraju as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Plesa
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 876 was adopted by the House on April
14, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House