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2008 SESSION

089190412
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 501
Offered February 27, 2008
Commending Brenda Brokaw.
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Patrons-- Amundson; Senator: Puller
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WHEREAS, Brenda Brokaw was crowned Ms. Virginia Senior America in June 2007 for her embodiment of the organization’s ideals of dignity, maturity, and inner beauty; and

WHEREAS, Senior America, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to encourage today's seniors to seek personal growth through continuing education and community service, and the Ms. Senior America Pageant honors women who have reached the "Age of Elegance" and who share with others their experience, achievements, and enthusiasm for life; and

WHEREAS, a native of Hershey, Pennsylvania, Brenda Brokaw developed a love of music at a young age; she started taking accordion lessons at age six, bought a piano with her life savings of $50 at age 10, sang in church choirs throughout her youth, and, as a teenager, organized and directed a children’s choir at her church; and

WHEREAS, from a family of humble means, Brenda Brokaw was able to attend Hershey Junior College without paying tuition because her father worked at the Hershey factory, and she worked hard to pay her way through Houghton College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and Alfred University, where she earned a master’s in school psychology; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Brokaw worked as a school psychologist for 15 years in Massachusetts before undertaking a career change to interior design; she attended design school at night and has had a successful interior design business for 22 years; and

WHEREAS, brought to Northern Virginia by her late husband’s work, Brenda Brokaw has come to treasure her Alexandria community and in recent years has been able to devote more time to music; she has been studying voice seriously and is on the standby list for the Washington National Opera; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Brokaw sings with several groups at retirement centers, occasionally performs in community theater productions, and is involved in several volunteer organizations and in her church; she is grateful that life has afforded her so many opportunities and hopes she has taken advantage of them to the best of her ability; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Brenda Brokaw on being crowned Ms. Virginia Senior America 2007; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Brenda Brokaw as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her many achievements and her willingness to serve as a role model for senior citizens and all citizens.