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1999 SESSION

990727687
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 298
Offered January 13, 1999
Commending Nicole Johnson.
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Patrons-- Howell, Barry, Bolling, Chichester, Colgan, Couric, Edwards, Forbes, Gartlan, Hanger, Hawkins, Holland, Houck, Lambert, Lucas, Marsh, Martin, Marye, Maxwell, Miller, K.G., Miller, Y.B., Mims, Newman, Norment, Potts, Puckett, Quayle, Reynolds, Saslaw, Schrock, Stolle, Stosch, Ticer, Trumbo, Walker, Wampler, Watkins, Whipple, Williams and Woods
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WHEREAS, Nicole Johnson won the Miss Apple Blossom Festival in 1997, was crowned Miss Virginia in 1998, and won the 1998 Miss America pageant; and

WHEREAS, Nicole Johnson is a resident of Virginia Beach and in 1998 earned a master’s degree in journalism from Regent University in Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, Nicole Johnson has overcome worsening juvenile diabetes through her perseverance, combined with diabetes treatment and education to help her control the condition through nutrition, exercise, and insulin; and

WHEREAS, despite the demands of her graduate work, her employment as a producer/writer at the Christian Broadcasting Network, and preparation for the Miss Virginia and Miss America pageants, Nicole Johnson actively participated in the passage of legislation requiring diabetes coverage for Virginia state employees during the 1998 General Assembly Session; and

WHEREAS, more than 16 million Americans have diabetes, placing them at greater risk of blindness, heart disease, stroke, amputation, and kidney disease; and

WHEREAS, Nicole Johnson has adopted a platform as Miss America entitled “Diabetes in America: Unmasking a Hidden Killer”, focusing on increasing awareness of diabetes, its symptoms, and its consequences; and

WHEREAS, Nicole Johnson launched her Miss America platform from Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with support from the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, demonstrating her continued commitment to public policy advocacy to benefit people with diabetes; and

WHEREAS, Nicole Johnson will also support programs that increase early detection and treatment of diabetes, as well as those that advance effective treatment and search for a cure, and will work to encourage comprehensive medical coverage for all Americans with diabetes; and

WHEREAS, Americans with diabetes are proud and honored to have Nicole Johnson as their most prominent advocate and spokesperson during her tenure as Miss America; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly congratulate Nicole Johnson on winning the Miss America title; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That Nicole Johnson be commended for her commitment to raising awareness of diabetes, to advocating health-care coverage for diabetes, and to assisting people with diabetes in controlling the disease and minimizing the risk of long-term disabling effects; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Nicole Johnson as an expression of the General Assembly’s great pride in her accomplishments and her commitment to helping others.