WHEREAS, Bettie Minette Cooper, a dedicated and respected member of the Norfolk community, was honored for her 50-year commitment to the arts with a benefit gala by the Virginia Symphony League and Young Audiences of Virginia in November 2013; and

WHEREAS, a native of Mississippi, Minette Cooper moved to Norfolk in 1958, where she quickly became involved with arts education; and

WHEREAS, a former director of the Young Women's Christian Association of South Hampton Roads, Minette Cooper currently serves on the boards of Virginia Wesleyan College and the Future of Hampton Roads, and is a member of the Virginia Symphony Chorus; and

WHEREAS, having devoted her time to some 25 arts and cultural organizations, Minette Cooper also had her own arts training, with five years of ballet, and 43 years of piano lessons; and

WHEREAS, with an expansive resume spanning 50 years of dedicated service, the Cultural Alliance of Hampton Roads named its annual art educator award after Minette Cooper; and

WHEREAS, the benefit gala celebrated Minette Cooper's five decades of advocacy and philanthropic support for music and arts education programs through the two organizations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Bettie Minette Cooper hereby be commended on being honored for her commitment to the arts by the Virginia Symphony League and Young Audiences of Virginia in November 2013; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bettie Minette Cooper as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect and admiration for her 50 years of service to the members of the arts and Norfolk communities.