TITLE: In memory of Yolanda P. Torres of San Antonio.

SUMMARY: In memory of Yolanda P. Torres of San Antonio.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The life of a beloved educator drew to a close with the passing of Yolanda P. Torres of San Antonio on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, The daughter of Rolando and Bertha Parga, the former Yolanda Parga was born in San Antonio on June 13, 1936; her parents were talented musicians, and she grew up with three siblings, Irma, Roland, and Sylvia, in a household that shaped her love for the arts; she studied the accordion with a classical teacher, and she also played the piano, ukulele, and French horn, the latter as a member of the Thomas Jefferson High School marching band; the first in her family to graduate from college, she earned an English degree at the University of the Incarnate Word and a master's degree in psychology at St. Mary's University; and WHEREAS, Ms. Torres began her teaching career with the Edgewood Independent School District in 1957; during her years in education, she taught English with a focus on classical literature, and she served as a journalism instructor and school newspaper sponsor at Fox Tech High School in San Antonio, as the yearbook sponsor at Jefferson Davis High School in Houston, and as the literary club sponsor at Thomas Edison High School in San Antonio; in 1976, Ms. Torres became the first Mexican American woman to be elected to the Texas State Board of Education; she was teaching at Edison when she retired in 2000; among her numerous accolades, she received a Making a Mark on the World Award from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and she was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Ms. Torres took great pride in her four children, Denise, Peter, Tina, and Paul, and her grandchildren; she always saw the best in others, and she was a talented poet, oil painter, singer, and pianist who served as choir director for La Trinidad United Methodist Church for many years; and WHEREAS, Admired for her myriad accomplishments and her remarkable ability to connect with students, Yolanda Torres brightened the world for all who knew her, and they will forever hold her close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Yolanda P. Torres and extend deepest condolences to the members of her family: to her children, Denise, Peter, Tina, and Paul and his wife, Alisa; to her grandchildren, Tahnee, Peter Michael, and Savannah and her husband, Curtis; to her sister, Sylvia; to her sisters-in-law, Dolores and Sandy; and to her many other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Yolanda Torres. Martinez Fischer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 811 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 23, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House