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2009 SESSION



HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 739
Commending William Bennett.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 16, 2009
Agreed to by the Senate, January 22, 2009

 

WHEREAS, William Bennett, a gifted artist and an exceptional student at Collegiate School in Richmond, is recognized for his humanitarian efforts to conserve and protect African elephants; and

WHEREAS, at nine years old, William Bennett was spurred into action to aid orphaned African elephants after watching a 60 Minutes special about the endangered animals; and

WHEREAS, with grade school art classes as his only formal training, William Bennett draws every day and has quickly developed into an acclaimed young artist; and

WHEREAS, William Bennett's early art work includes wonderful drawings of subjects that are familiar and dear to him, such as animals, sports, and portraits; and

WHEREAS, to help raise money for orphaned elephants, William Bennett seized the opportunity to offer his remarkable drawings at an art show and sale in Richmond, and he generously donated a percentage of his proceeds to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust; and

WHEREAS, William Bennett has become a great friend of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which supports the Tsavo National Park, Kenya's largest wildlife refuge and home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations; and

WHEREAS, to enhance awareness of the plight of the African elephant, William Bennett was commissioned by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to produce a special work of art for its national fundraiser; and

WHEREAS, a fine role model for his fellow students and young people across the Commonwealth, William Bennett uses his remarkable artistic talents to help animals and to inspire all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend William Bennett for his humanitarian efforts to conserve and protect African elephants; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William Bennett as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation of his many achievements and best wishes for a bright and happy future.