TITLE: Commemorating the 125th anniversary of Aoy Elementary School in El Paso.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 125th anniversary of Aoy Elementary School in El Paso.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The year 2013 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of Aoy Elementary School in El Paso; and WHEREAS, Olivas Villanueva Aoy, a Franciscan priest, founded what would become Aoy Elementary in 1887 to help Mexican children learn English and prepare to enter public school; in 1888, the El Paso Independent School District voted to officially make Mr. Villanueva's school a part of the district and named it the Mexican Preparatory School; and WHEREAS, Mr. Aoy taught the school's first students in a six-classroom building on the corner of Chihuahua Street and Francisco Street; after his death in 1895, the district renamed the school Aoy Elementary to honor his service; three years later, the district approved the construction of a new, larger campus on South Campbell Street in the Segundo Barrio, or Second Ward, neighborhood to meet the needs of the school's growing population; in 2003, local voters approved a ballot measure that combined Aoy with another nearby elementary school, Roosevelt, and the school now serves more than 500 students; and WHEREAS, One of the district's oldest elementary schools, the institution continues to thrive under the guidance of principal Martha Franco, who has worked with her faculty to maintain an effective and nurturing learning environment, one that uses 21st century technologies to prepare students for the opportunities that lie ahead; and WHEREAS, Aoy Elementary has equipped countless young Texans with a strong educational foundation, and its 125-year history is a testament to the enduring value the community places on the education of its children; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 125th anniversary of Aoy Elementary School and extend to its administrators, faculty, staff, and students sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the school as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Marquez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 447 was adopted by the House on February 28, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House