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2011 SESSION

11104891D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 913
Offered February 16, 2011
Commending Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation.
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Patrons-- Byron, Edmunds and Putney; Senators: Newman and Stanley
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WHEREAS, Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation, a nonprofit ministry that provides loving care and guidance to disadvantaged children in its residential homes throughout the Commonwealth, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011; and

WHEREAS, established on the grounds of Red Hill, the home of Virginia’s esteemed patriot and orator Patrick Henry, the Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation grew out of a desire to create a fitting memorial to the admired statesman; and

WHEREAS, after the creation of the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation, plans began to form for a boys’ home where young men could grow in their Christian faith, learn the value of hard work and discipline, and develop good citizenship skills; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hagood, a former member of the Virginia Senate, served as the influential first president of Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation with the Reverend Ralph Bellwood as the principal founder and first superintendent of the proposed facility; and

WHEREAS, opened in 1961 with the sage slogan “It is better to build boys than mend men,” Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation provided a substitute Christian home for boys in high-risk situations; and

WHEREAS, in 1979 Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation welcomed its first girl and continued to meet the needs of its residents with a new slogan, “Hope for Tomorrow,” representing its twofold mission of providing a substitute Christian home and training and education through local public schools that would enable residents to develop their talents; and

WHEREAS, today, Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation has homes in Brookneal, Rustburg, Cluster Springs, Bedford, and Wylliesburg in addition to its Patrick Henry Family Counseling Center in Brookneal; and

WHEREAS, over the years, the residents of Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation have received committed guidance and instruction from countless staff members who have prayerfully and earnestly striven to guide the youth in their care; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation has provided a valuable service to countless youth since its inception, creating a worthy legacy for one of the Commonwealth’s great patriots; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for the ministry’s commitment to the youth of the Commonwealth.