SR648 - In memory of Yolanda P. Torres of San Antonio.

        SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 648       In Memory   of   Yolanda Torres            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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   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 Senate   adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Yolanda Torres.     Menéndez                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on May 31, 2025, by a     rising vote.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate