TITLE: In memory of Santos Porras Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Santos Porras Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Santos Porras Jr., who died January 28, 2011; and WHEREAS, Santos Porras Jr. was born in Rio Grande City on December 20, 1939; he was an educator for 41 years in Rio Grande City and La Joya, Texas, serving as a teacher, counselor, and school administrator; and WHEREAS, Porras, as he was known by family and friends, had a caring nature and a strong sense of fairness, and he believed in treating others with dignity and respect; he was a proud American and served honorably in the United States Army and the Army Reserve; his strong work ethic earned him the admiration and respect of his students, his colleagues, and all who had the good fortune to know him; and WHEREAS, He started his career in education in 1964 as a middle school teacher and later taught high school English and history; he was deeply committed to helping his students through a school-to-work industrial cooperative and internship program; and WHEREAS, He traveled to Ohio, Idaho, Washington, and New York in the summers to aid students of migrant families who worked the fields; he helped these students prepare for their transition back to school in the fall; and WHEREAS, He retired in 1998 as the Director of Career and Technology in Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District only to return to education several years later to help medically homebound teens graduate high school; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, a gentle and caring father and grandfather, and a loving uncle; his family and his many friends will long remember his deep affection for his family, his love of music, his amazing sense of humor, his endless supply of stories, and his timely and impeccable counsel; and WHEREAS, His loss brought great sadness to those who love him still, but the love he shared, the lessons he taught, and the memories he left behind will remain in the hearts of his family and friends for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby honor the memory of Santos Porras Jr. and extend sincere condolences to his bereaved family: his wife, Telca Maria Garza Porras; his daughter, Telca Karen Porras; his sons, Joel "Jerry" Porras and Miguel "Mike" Porras; and his two grandchildren; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Santos Porras Jr. Zaffirini President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 6, 2011, by a rising vote.