88R20839 KSM-D
By: A. Johnson of Harris H.R. No. 977
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Joan Karff's Women on the Way Up has enriched the
lives of many young residents of the Houston area; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, the innovative program was established at
Lamar High School by Joan Karff, longtime proprietor of Joan
Karff's New Dance Group; she chose 10 young women annually to mentor
and offered them exposure to culture, the arts, and current events;
before her death in 2016, she selected a successor to carry on her
work and further the mission of the organization; and
WHEREAS, JKWOWU awards $1,000 scholarships and donates
laptops to promising Lamar High School graduates from underserved
backgrounds; recipients participate in a year-long program that
nurtures their interests in culture and the arts, and fosters the
development of skills to make wise choices; and
WHEREAS, Each week, the group of 10 seniors meets to explore
the worlds of art, dance, theater, and classical music; they enjoy
cultural activities and hear about a variety of careers from
accomplished professionals; the students are encouraged to follow
political and social matters by reading local newspapers, listening
to news reports, and researching sources of information; in
addition, they discuss the issues of the day and consider such
topics as self-esteem, money management, parenting, and
relationships; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the organization has provided
more than $220,000 in assistance with college expenses for students
headed to schools all across the country, from Prairie View A&M and
Baylor Universities to Bryn Mawr College and the University of
Southern California; a number of its alumnae have gone on to earn
graduate degrees, while others have joined the workforce right
after college; they have entered such fields as law, finance,
nursing, and education, and some have become entrepreneurs; and
WHEREAS, Joan Karff's Women on the Way Up has helped open
pathways of opportunity for numerous Lamar High School students,
allowing them to become more well-rounded, engaged, and productive
citizens of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Joan Karff's Women on the Way Up for its
contributions and extend to all those associated with the
organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.