LRB-2242/2
PJD:jld:jf
2005 - 2006 LEGISLATURE
April 4, 2005 - Introduced by Representative Colon, cosponsored by Senator
Carpenter. Referred to Committee on Rules.
AJR26,1,2
1Relating to: commending Ignacio Contreras' courage and determination to
2overcome the challenges as he faces, most notably his fight against cancer.
AJR26,1,43
Whereas, Ignacio Contreras, is a 12-year-old boy that endures the challenges
4of his new life in the United States as a bilingual student; and
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Whereas, Ignacio came to the United States with his family in the year 2000
6and is living with his parents, Carlos and Margarita, and his 3 brothers, Carlos Jr.,
7Alejandro, and Richard, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
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Whereas, Ignacio's father, Carlos Contreras, works in construction to support
9his family, who has little medical insurance and struggles financially; and
AJR26,1,1110
Whereas, Ignacio is currently attending Vieau School, a Milwaukee Public
11School; and
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Whereas, Ignacio was faced with his first challenge of having to learn a
13language and he was determined to overcome it, by becoming bilingual within a year
14and one-half; and
AJR26,2,3
1Whereas, Ignacio quickly gained confidence in English; he entered and won a
2Christmas card contest for the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team in 2002, and his
3design was used for its annual Christmas card; and
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Whereas, in September 2004, Ignacio was faced with his most difficult
5challenge; he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, a form of cancer; and
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Whereas, Ignacio soon began chemotherapy, then radiation, and, during the
7treatment and procedures, Ignacio, at times, translated between the doctors and his
8parents; and
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Whereas, this experience became the basis for an essay contest Ignacio wrote
10for the National Association of Bilingual Education; and
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Whereas, Ignacio's essay, which stressed the importance of being bilingual and
12the opportunities that were opened up for being able to speak 2 languages, won him
13first place in the middle school contest; and
AJR26,2,1614
Whereas, Ignacio was flown to San Antonio, Texas, in January with his mother,
15Margarita, and bilingual teacher, Ms. Gloria Franco, to receive his national award
16of $1,500 for educational supplies and materials; and
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Whereas, Ignacio began his next phase of treatment of radiation after he
18returned from receiving his award; now, therefore, be it
AJR26,2,21
19Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the
20Wisconsin legislature commend Ignacio's courage and determination to overcome
21the challenges as he faces, most notably his fight against cancer; and, be it further
AJR26,2,23
22Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide copies of this joint
23resolution to Ignacio's father and mother, Carlos and Margarita Contreras.
