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2005 SESSION

054235756
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 514
Offered February 14, 2005
Commending Virginia's student winners of the National Education Association and Virginia Education Association Art and Essay Contest, "Horizons of Opportunity: Celebrating 50 Years of Brown v. Board of Education, May 17, 1954-2004".
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Patrons-- Marsh, Deeds, Edwards, Houck, Lambert, Locke, Lucas, Miller, Puckett, Puller, Reynolds, Ticer and Whipple
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WHEREAS, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 73 (2004), the General Assembly designated 2004 and 2005 as Brown v. Board of Education years in Virginia, and directed the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission to continue the planning and statewide coordination and leadership to commemorate this landmark Supreme Court decision; and

WHEREAS, the Commission organized the Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Steering Committee composed of educators, historians, researchers, legal professionals, citizens, and representatives of various professional associations, law schools, federal, state, and local elected officials, state and local agencies, public and private schools, community organizations, and public and private institutions of higher education from across the Commonwealth to assist with the Commission's work; and

WHEREAS, the Commission was required to ensure the participation of students and persons of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds in the commemorative programs and activities; and

WHEREAS, the Commission collaborated with the Virginia Education Association (VEA) to encourage public schools to participate in the National Education Association's (NEA) commemorative program, "Horizons of Opportunity: Celebrating 50 Years of Brown v. Board of Education, May 17, 1954-2004", through the VEA's Fitz Turner Commission art and essay contests; and

WHEREAS, students were encouraged to write essays and complete artwork that illustrated their perspectives concerning the historic Brown decision, and in April 2004, the VEA announced Virginia's student winners of the art and essay contests; and

WHEREAS, the Commission commends the following student winners for their time, effort, and willingness to share their insights on this historic decision with the people of the Commonwealth:

ART CONTEST WINNERS
Grades K-3
First Place--Casey Berry, Chesterfield
Second Place--Tyler Smith, Richmond City
Grades 4-5
Honorable Mention--Troy Bray, Louisa
Honorable Mention--Carelle Macon, Alexandria
Honorable Mention--Emily Oliver, Hanover
Grades 6-8
First Place--Jonathan Smith, Alexandria
Second Place--Rayoung Kim, Fairfax
Third Place--Ceire Neylan, Richmond City
Grades 9-12
First Place--Jingyao Guo, Hampton
Second Place--Rose Deratto, Chesterfield
Third Place--Alexandra Chiou, Richmond City
ESSAY CONTEST
Grades 4-5
First Place--Shannel Hill, Virginia Beach
Second Place--Amada Salinas, Pulaski
Grades 6-8
First Place--Allie Vandivier, Fairfax
Second Place--Lynwood Spell, Richmond City
Third Place--Renesha Chiles, Lynchburg
Grades 9-12
First Place--Jocelyn Spaar, Charlottesville
Second Place--Steven Davis, Fairfax
Third Place--Ryan Cronk, Chesapeake

WHEREAS, the efforts of these student winners affirm the promise of equal opportunity to obtain a high quality education and excellent schools for all children inherent in Brown; and

WHEREAS, significant educational, social, and cultural achievements and benefits, racial harmony, and appreciation for different viewpoints can be attained to improve the quality of life for all persons when students of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are taught together in public school and college classrooms; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that Virginia's student winners of the art and essay contests be recognized and commended for their outstanding achievements, and be exhorted to continue to pursue academic excellence; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Virginia's student winners of the National Education Association and Virginia Education Association Art and Essay Contest, "Horizons of Opportunity: Celebrating 50 Years of Brown v. Board of Education, May 17, 1954-2004"; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the president of the Virginia Education Association, requesting that she further disseminate copies of this resolution to Virginia's student winners of the art and essay contests in order that they may be apprised of the General Assembly's pride and congratulations for their outstanding achievements.