Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Heros, the

University of North Texas at Dallas, in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank for their annual Thanksgiving distribution. This past year, they brought vital support to our community. Thanks to dedicated student volunteers, nearly 1,000 North Texas families received food to help them prepare for the holiday. Each family was provided a turkey, approximately 60 pounds of groceries, and thermal clothing for the colder months ahead.

We are very grateful for the volunteers who serve our neighbors with compassion. North Texans continue to show up for one another, and events like this highlight the generosity of our community year after year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Barrett Knetsch, a Euless native, who has been giving back to our North Texas community since the age of four, when he first shaved his head to raise money for pediatric cancer charities. Now at sixteen, he has continued this tradition for twelve consecutive years and has raised more than $100,000 to support children battling cancer.

Currently a student at St. Mark's School of Texas, Barrett participates in student council, choir, and varsity sports. Yet, he still finds time to rally his friends, family, and local businesses around this important cause. He also extends his commitment to service by volunteering at the Euless Community Center, helping at local Habitat for Humanity construction projects, and assisting at local food distribution centers.

Barrett is setting a wonderful example for all of North Texas. His commitment shows how one person's determination can uplift an entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Southlake Carroll Dragons Volleyball team, as they made history, claiming their first-ever Class 6A Division II State Championship in a five-set victory over Austin High School. This was their first finals appearance in 27 years and this time, they secured the long awaited title!

Congratulations to the Dragons and their head coach, Leslie Jackson, for an unforgettable season and for bringing home a historic state championship to Southlake.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Angelo Renda. He is a three-year letterman and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Southlake Carroll history. He guided the Dragons to back-to-back District 4-6A championships and has a remarkable 28-1 record. His junior year he helped lead Southlake Carroll to a 6A Division II UIL Texas State runner-up finish.

Angelo is the all-time passing yards leader in Carroll Dragons history, finishing his high school career with 524 completions for 8,197 yards and 93 touchdowns.

We can't wait to watch his journey continue at the University of Pittsburgh, and to see him succeed with Panthers like he has with the Dragons.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Airport Cities VFW Post No. 10454. They have proudly served veterans and families across Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake, and Keller for over 50 years. Chartered on October 14, 1975, with 64 charter members, and now grown into a thriving organization of nearly 300 members.

For the past five decades, Post 10454 has faithfully served the community through civic involvement, volunteer service and charitable contributions, and has provided stability and bonds of friendship that have strengthened the Cities of Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake and Keller, and Texas. The Post has ensured its presence at the annual Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Day Remembrance Service.

We thank them for their unwavering service and support of our North Texas community for over 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Moffitt Services, out of Fort Worth, who stepped up this January when the winter storm brought dangerous conditions to North Texas.

Working around the clock, Moffitt crews navigated icy roads to deliver fuel for generators, along with water and other critical supplies to nursing homes, hospitals, and organizations in need across the region. Their efforts helped ensure generators stayed running and essential services remained online for patients and residents who rely on them.

Their work didn't stop when the ice melted. As conditions continued to improve across North Texas, Moffitt Services shifted to assisting with cleanup efforts, helping to remove fallen trees and storm debris.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Rev. Paul Rasmussen, who has served as not only a pastor at Highland Park United Methodist Church, but as a steady presence and trusted leader for thousands of families across our North Texas community for over 25 years.

A fourth-generation United Methodist minister and graduate of SMU's Perkins School of Theology, Rev. Rasmussen's faith-based leadership helped guide one of Dallas's largest congregations.

Even as he transitions from being Senior Pastor, Rev. Rasmussen's message continues to inspire. Through decades of sermons, mentorship, and service, Rev. Rasmussen has left a lasting imprint on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, the J.J. Pearce High School swim team. They demonstrated the power of community by rallying behind a mission to support their custodian Van Hua Le. The team learned that Le was experiencing health issues which left him out of work for weeks, and they felt called to use their talents to support him.

To help, the swim team organized a Swim-A-Thon, inviting friends, families, and neighbors to pledge donations for laps completed. By the end of the event, they had swam over 4,000 meters and collected $18,000 for their custodian. Their kindness did not stop there. Afterwards, the team gifted Van Hua Le with a new car and bicycle to assist with his six mile commute and set up a GoFundMe campaign for him as well.

I thank the J.J. Pearce High School swim team for showing North Texas what it means to lift one another up in difficult times. Their compassion inspires us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Chief Kevin Richardson, the longtime Coppell Fire Department Chief. Earlier this year, he officially retired after years of public service to our North Texas community. Chief Richardson Joined the department in 1993 and since his promotion to Fire Chief in 2006, the fire department has been performing at an unprecedented level of excellence.

Under his leadership, two new fire stations were built, the department achieved and maintained the highest Public Protection Classification rating from the Insurance Services Office, and every firefighter in the department became certified as an emergency medical technician. As Coppell experienced rapid growth, Chief Richardson ensured the fire department grew stronger. The Coppell mayor, city council members, and firefighters have expressed their immense praise for him.

I thank Chief Richardson for his leadership of an exceptional fire department and decades of public service. His work has saved lives and kept the Coppell community safe. We wish him the very best in his well- deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Gus Cabarcas, a veteran who served as a Combat

Medic in the U.S. Army at Fort Hood before continuing his career of service as a Sergeant with the NYPD. After over two decades in public service, Gus brought his passion for helping others to Combined Arms where he served as the North Texas Regional Coordinator and has been an Organizer for Veteran In Business.

During his time at Combined Arms, Gus worked hard to serve veterans in our North Texas community and connect them with the resources to successfully transition and thrive after military service.

Through his leadership and dedication, he helped strengthen the veterans community across the region. I thank Gus for his continued impact and unwavering support for our veteran community. His dedication is a shining example for us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Magda Hernandez, she has served as Irving ISD Superintendent for the past eight years and announced her retirement in December 2026. With eight years leading Irving ISD and 34 years in public education, her career reflects a deep commitment to our North Texas students and schools. Hernandez began her journey in Irving ISD as a bilingual aide and went on to serve in many roles from a teacher, to Assistant Principal, and District Administrator, before becoming the district's first female Superintendent. Her leadership has made a lasting, positive impact on public education in the Irving community and beyond.

During her time as Superintendent, Hernandez has remained focused on helping students succeed and continuing to move the district forward. She has received numerous awards recognizing her outstanding career. Even after becoming eligible for retirement, Hernandez chose to continue serving, wanting to help the district continue improving. She has described her time at Irving ISD as one of the greatest honors of her life. We thank Magda Hernandez for her commitment to our community and the legacy she leaves behind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Linda Custard. She demonstrated generosity and support for our North Texas community, and her alma mater, Southern Methodist University (SMU). Her life reflected a deep commitment to the arts, education, and civic engagement. She sadly passed away earlier this year, on January 22, 2026. Custard began at SMU as a speech arts student before earning her undergraduate degree from Mills College and later returning to SMU to complete her MBA at the Cox School of Business. She assumed several leadership roles, including serving on the SMU Board of Trustees. She also played a key role in advancing the Meadows School of the Arts and the Meadows Museum, contributing meaningfully to the university and the wider community.

Custard was committed to helping initiatives that advanced the arts and education. She received awards recognizing her leadership and philanthropy at SMU, including the Cox School of Business Distinguished Alumni Award, the SMU Students' Association's Outstanding Trustee Award, the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Mustang Award. She was known for her dedication, influence, and passion for giving back.

We thank Linda Pitts Custard for her service to our North Texas community and the lasting impression she leaves behind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Aliza Tharani. Aliza is a Euless native who combines academic excellence with a strong interest in science. After graduating at the top of her class from Colleyville Heritage High School, she began her undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, where she is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience.

Aliza has served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in both the Mysore Lab, studying brain pathways, and the Jantzie Lab in Neurosurgery. She has also shadowed in transplant nephrology at UT Southwestern, gaining valuable exposure to patient-centered care.

In addition to her academic work, Aliza has given back to the community by volunteering with A Place to Talk (suicide-prevention peer support), serving as a First Aid Attendant with the Jubilee Monument Corp., and participating as a National Alzheimer's Buddies volunteer.

Recognized for her achievements, Aliza is an ISEF Finalist, a National Honor Society Scholarship Semifinalist, and the recipient of multiple awards. Through her scholarship and service, she reflects the values of Euless and serves as a positive example for our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Officer Tonard ``Tee'' Warmsley, a dedicated school resource officer at Coppell ISD. After serving in the U.S. Army, Officer Warmsley joined the City of Coppell Police Department in 2007, and has served in roles ranging from patrol officer to detective, and now as a School Resource Officer. In 2017, he was named Texas School Resource Officer of the Year by the Texas Association of School Resource Officers and continues to serve as a regional co-director, supporting officers across North Texas.

His impact is best seen through his mentorship of students, like Coppell High School graduate Modjet Brown Jr., whom he has guided since middle school. From stepping in on Senior Night to standing beside him as he took his oath to join the U.S. Army. Officer Warmsley has consistently shown what it means to show up for North Texans. His commitment reflects a deep belief that mentorship can change lives and that every student deserves someone who believes in them.

I thank Officer Tonard ``Tee'' Warmsley for his dedication and for making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families across North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Heros, Mrs. Dillen, Mrs. Hensley, Mrs. Eimers, and Mrs. Landolfa at Forest Vista Elementary School in Flower Mound. In their classrooms, they foster a welcoming environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to learn. Through their dedication, they support both academic growth and the confidence of their students.

At Forest Vista Elementary, they go above and beyond to ensure that every child feels seen and supported. Their impact was especially meaningful during Purple Up Day on April 15th, also known as Military Child Day, when they wore purple to honor military children and presented a student with a special recognition certificate. This heartfelt gesture demonstrated their deep understanding of the sacrifices military families make and their commitment to celebrating the strength and resilience of their students. Their actions reflect the best of what our North Texas schools offer, including creating a classroom community, and encouragement at the foundational stages of a child's education.

I thank Mrs. Dillen, Mrs. Hensley, Mrs. Eimers, and Mrs. Landolfa, for their unwavering dedication to their students and for the meaningful difference they make every single day at Forest Vista Elementary School.