TITLE: Honoring Ian McKenna of Kealing Middle School for his efforts to address hunger in the Austin area.

SUMMARY: Honoring Ian McKenna of Kealing Middle School for his efforts to address hunger in the Austin area.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Ian McKenna, an eighth grader at Kealing Middle School, has made a positive difference in his community through his efforts to address hunger in the Austin area; and WHEREAS, This outstanding young Texan was inspired to perform his first act of philanthropy back in 2012; his sister Addison told him about a first-grade classmate of hers who didn't receive presents from Santa because of her family's financial difficulties, and Ian decided to help; on Christmas morning, he and his family showed up at the girl's door with a trunk full of toys and food for her family; and WHEREAS, Ian soon discovered that some of his fellow students were going hungry on a daily basis; in March 2013, he started a garden at Oak Hill Elementary, making it available to anyone who wanted to use it; he later built a second garden at Sunset Valley Elementary, and with the support of a grant from the nonprofit Katie's Krops, he created a third garden in his own backyard, cultivating a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, sweet potatoes, okra, cauliflower, and broccoli; in the first year, he harvested 750 pounds of produce and donated it directly to families in need and to such organizations as the Central Texas Food Bank; and WHEREAS, Desiring to do more, Ian decided to organize a dinner to raise awareness of the hunger many Americans face; held at El Buen Samaritano on January 21, 2017, the dinner featured vegetables from Ian's garden as well as food donated by Keep Austin Fed and Trader Joe's; the popular event drew hundreds of attendees from all around Austin, including elected officials; and WHEREAS, Texas is fortunate to have passionate and engaged residents like Ian McKenna, whose history of civic involvement, remarkable for someone of any age, serves as an inspiration to all who know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commend Ian McKenna for his invaluable contributions to the community and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success with his important work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ian as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Workman Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 587 was adopted by the House on March 2, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House