Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, won three first-place statewide awards in the Texas Professional Communicators' annual communication contest. Janet McDaniel, TPC President, presented the awards at their annual conference in Denton on April 7. Sen. Zaffirini received first place for her 2000 newsletter, "Senator Zaffirini Reports to the Families of District 21," "If Judy Pappas can do it, ANYBODY can!," a speech delivered to Youth Conference 2000 in Laredo and, in the newspaper black and white display category, for "Re-elect Judith Zaffirini."

A news release, "Census 2000 to Reflect District's Changing Demographics," also won a second place award.

"As a senator and as a communication professional, I am proud that our efforts to inform Texas families about issues that affect their lives continue to win awards in state competition," Sen. Zaffirini said. "We utilize every available means of communication to reach the constituents of Senate District 21."

A communications specialist, the senator holds bachelor of science, master of arts and PhD degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. Through her business, Zaffirini Communications, Sen. Zaffirini provides professional communication services, including consulting, workshops and seminars and keynote addresses. Sen. Zaffirini has more than 15 years of teaching experience, including at the college and university levels, and more than 22 years of public speaking experience.

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