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89(R) HR 1111 - Enrolled version - Bill Text
H.R. No. 1111
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The third annual Celebration of Bagpipes is taking
place at Bel Air High School in El Paso on May 17, 2025, providing a
fitting opportunity to recognize the history and achievements of
the Bel Air Pipe and Drum Corps; and
WHEREAS, The band's origins can be traced to World War II,
when Ysleta Independent School District superintendent J. M. Hanks
conceived the idea while completing an active duty military
assignment in Canada; the plan was brought to fruition in the early
1960s by Bel Air educator John Estes, who went on to serve as the
band's director for more than three decades; through the years, the
Bel Air Pipe and Drum Corps has been showcased at football games,
parades, music festivals, international competitions, graduation
ceremonies, presidential visits, and flag ceremonies; and
WHEREAS, Today, Bel Air is the only public high school in
Texas and one of few in the United States that has established a
bagpipe band; to help keep the tradition alive, the 2025
Celebration of Bagpipes is featuring the corps in performance with
pipe bands from the El Paso Police and Fire Departments, Empyre
Pipes and Drums, and other ensembles; proceeds benefit the John
Estes Scholarship, which was created to raise awareness of the
program and to assist a deserving Highlander piper or drummer in
continuing his or her education after graduation; the occasion also
includes a special appearance by Mr. Estes to announce the 2025
scholarship recipient; and
WHEREAS, For more than six decades, the Bel Air Pipe and Drum
Corps has been a source of pride for the Highlander community and
the wider El Paso area, and it is indeed a pleasure to join in
recognizing this esteemed ensemble on this special occasion; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the Bel Air High School Pipe and Drum Corps
on the occasion of the third annual Celebration of Bagpipes event
and extend to all those associated with the program sincere best
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the band as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Perez of El Paso
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1111 was adopted by the House on May
23, 2025, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House