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2019 SESSION

19101215D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 755
Offered January 28, 2019
Commending Chatham Hall.
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Patrons-- Adams, L.R. and Marshall; Senators: Ruff and Stanley
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WHEREAS, Chatham Hall in Pittsylvania County, an exemplary private boarding school for young women that has earned national accolades, celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2019; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly chartered Chatham Hall as the Chatham Episcopal Female Institute on February 26, 1894; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend Clevius Orlando Pruden, rector of Chatham’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church, was the principal advocate for the founding of Chatham Hall; and

WHEREAS, in the early 1900s, Chatham Hall nurtured the nascent talent of Georgia O’Keeffe, one of America’s most celebrated artists; and

WHEREAS, Chatham Hall survived a disastrous fire in 1906 by moving into homes on Whittle Street in Chatham and recovered from the event as a stronger, more resilient school community; and

WHEREAS, Chatham Hall rose to prominence during the 1930s, drawing young women from across the United States and from foreign nations; and

WHEREAS, Chatham Hall alumnae served the nation with distinction in critical roles during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Chatham Hall alumna and Chatham native Claudia Emerson was Virginia’s poet laureate from 2008 until 2010; and

WHEREAS, throughout its history, Chatham Hall has inspired many young women who went on to become leaders in their communities and professions; graduates have distinguished themselves in medicine, law, business, art, science, and education; and

WHEREAS, in 2019, Chatham Hall remains true to its mission to foster high intellect and high character in all of its students through rigorous academic programs that encourage growth, creativity, and personal responsibility, as well as a culture of shared values of honesty and integrity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Chatham Hall, a distinguished private boarding school for young women, on the occasion of its 125th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Chatham Hall, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the school’s rich history and contributions to young women in the Commonwealth.