TITLE: Congratulating Dr. Gonzalo Garza on his selection by the Austin History Center as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Dr. Gonzalo Garza on his selection by the Austin History Center as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

FULL TEXT:
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