H.R. No. 732

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Dr. Gonzalo Garza was recognized by the Austin
	History Center in conjunction with its exhibit Mexican American
	Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County; and
	WHEREAS, Honoring the important contributions made by
	Mexican Americans to Central Texas, the Austin History Center and
	its association joined with the Austin Public Library to organize
	the show, which ran from August 21, 2010, through January 16, 2011;
	Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County
	celebrated the pioneering achievements of 32 remarkable men and
	women and provided the public with an opportunity to learn more
	about their lives; and
	WHEREAS, One such individual, Dr. Gonzalo Garza, was honored
	for his achievements in education; the son of migrant farm workers,
	Dr. Garza was born on January 10, 1927, in New Braunfels; he started
	elementary school at the age of 10 and dropped out of high school at
	the age of 17, when he answered his nation's call to duty during
	World War II and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps; realizing the
	value of an education, he completed high school after returning
	from the war, and he began working on his bachelor's degree at
	St. Mary's University; he again answered his nation's call during
	the Korean War, when he received the Bronze Star for valor and the
	Purple Heart; after his discharge from the marines he finished his
	bachelor's degree, completed a master's degree at Our Lady of the
	Lake University, and earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction
	from The University of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, During his long and distinguished career in public
	education, Dr. Garza served as the first Mexican American
	superintendent of the San Marcos and Eagle Pass Independent School
	Districts, and he was the first Mexican American to hold the post of
	associate superintendent with the Austin ISD; he has received
	numerous accolades for his achievements and contributions,
	including the Golden Apple Award from the National Hispanic Caucus
	of School Board Members and recognition as the Hispanic Educator of
	the Year by the Austin ISD Hispanic Heritage Committee; he retired
	from the Austin ISD in 1992, and in 1998 the school district named
	the new Gonzalo Garza Independence High School in his honor; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Gonzalo Garza has made a positive difference in
	his community, and his outstanding accomplishments are a source of
	pride and inspiration to many people; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
	Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Gonzalo Garza on his selection
	as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County and
	extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for Dr. Garza as an expression of high regard by the Texas
	House of Representatives.
	Rodriguez
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 732 was adopted by the House on March
	17, 2011, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House