WHEREAS, Eli Guerra Has Dedicated Himself to Teaching Children About the Dangers of Drugs

H.R. No. 657

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Eli Guerra has dedicated himself to teaching children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and gang involvement, and through his leadership in the Karate Kids of America organization, he has expanded his campaign to include the annual "Just Say No" Letter Writing Contest; and

WHEREAS, Open to children in grades first through fifth, the contest invites children to write a letter to their friends informing them of the hazards of drugs, alcohol, and gangs and expressing their reasons for maintaining their independence from these harmful influences; and

WHEREAS, The contest seeks to empower children to make thoughtful, responsible decisions in the face of adversity and peer pressure; by reminding children that they have a right, and an obligation, to say no to any behavior that could cause them harm, this program fosters selfesteem and pride in children who otherwise might be at risk; and

WHEREAS, This philosophy is very much in keeping with the goals of Karate Kids of America, which Mr.Guerra founded to promote healthy physical activity and competition as an alternative to selfdestructive behavior; this fine program educates children about the dangers of drugs while training them to become healthy, physically fit, and confident through the practice of karate and other sports; and

WHEREAS, When Mr.Guerra established the letter writing contest seven years ago, he received only 23 entries, but this year's contest is expected to attract more than 2,000 students from across the state; winners will be announced in May, which has been declared Karate Kids of San Antonio's Just Say No to Drugs month; and

WHEREAS, As more and more communities are torn by the destructive effects of alcohol, drugs, and gangs, it is encouraging to see adults and children united in their efforts to combat these social ills; Eli Guerra and the Karate Kids of America have shown thousands of schoolchildren that there are alternatives to drugs and violence, and in doing this, they have opened these children up to the hope and possibilities of the future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas Legislature hereby commend Eli Guerra and the Karate Kids of America for their participation in the "Just Say No" Letter Writing Contest and extend to them warmest best wishes for a happy and successful future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Eli Guerra and the Karate Kids of America as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Van de Putte

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Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 657 was adopted by the House on May 7, 1993, by a nonrecord vote.

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Chief Clerk of the House