TITLE: Congratulating Jan Seale on being named Texas Poet Laureate for 2012.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Jan Seale on being named Texas Poet Laureate for 2012.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Jan Epton Seale of McAllen has been named Texas Poet Laureate for 2012; and WHEREAS, The state's poet laureates are chosen for the exceptional quality of their work and for their outstanding commitment to the arts in Texas; they are among the state artists who are recognized for work that defines the character of a place and reflects the distinctive qualities that make Texas unique; and WHEREAS, Jan Seale is the author of six books of poetry, including The Wonder Is: New and Selected Poems 1974-2004,and her published works further include a book of short fiction, Airlift,a textbook for memoir writers, and nine children's books; her poetry and prose have appeared in Texas Monthly,The Yale Review,and the Chicago Tribune,as well as in many anthologies, and have been broadcast over National Public Radio; and WHEREAS, This gifted artist is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts creative writing fellowship in poetry, the Kathryn Morris Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of Texas, and the Bill Burke Award and Dolly Sprunk Memorial Award from the New York Poetry Forum; in addition, she is a seven-time winner of the PEN Syndicated Fiction Award; and WHEREAS, A native of Pilot Point, Ms. Seale earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Louisville and a master's degree from the University of North Texas; she has taught at The University of Texas-Pan American and UNT and has held readings and workshops in cities across Texas and the nation; and WHEREAS, Jan Seale has won the hearts of countless people with her evocative and witty language, and she is indeed a worthy choice for this prestigious honor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Jan Seale on her appointment as 2012 Texas Poet Laureate and extend to her sincere best wishes for a rewarding year; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Seale as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Gonzales of Hidalgo Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 59 was adopted by the House on June 28, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House