Bill Text: VA SJR221 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

Virginia Senate Joint Resolution 221 (Prior Session Legislation)

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

Bill Title: Commending Emily Ward.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2010-03-14 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ221ER) [SJR221 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2010-SJR221-Introduced.html

10105348D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 221 Offered February 25, 2010 Commending Emily Ward. ---------- Patrons-- Howell; Delegates: Plum and Rust ----------

WHEREAS, Emily Ward was honored by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith, Inc., with a prestigious 2010 Best of Reston award; and

WHEREAS, the Best of Reston awards were established to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the Reston community and improving the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, without recognition or fanfare, Emily Ward has quietly but significantly impacted the lives of some of Reston's most disadvantaged children; for the past 13 years, she has volunteered at least two full days a week at Reston Interfaith's Laurel Learning Center (LLC), an affordable child care center that offers a majority of its slots to low-income children; and

WHEREAS, Emily Ward has had a lifelong interest in helping children; many years ago as a Foreign Service wife, she worked at an orphanage in Ankara, Turkey, volunteered at the Four Homes of Mercy in East Jerusalem, and started a summer program for underprivileged kids on the Mount of Olives; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the material support that Emily Ward and her husband, Steve, provide to Reston's LLC, Emily Ward makes each and every child feel valued and loved; and

WHEREAS, known as "Miss Emily," Emily Ward is officially a teacher's aide, but also serves as unofficial LLC photographer, substitute teacher, party giver, and respected confidante to kids and parents; and

WHEREAS, Emily Ward has been able to provide the children with many unique experiences such as a guided tour of the United States Botanic Garden, a special invitation to the National Gallery of Art's commemoration of one of the first African American Union regiments of the Civil War, and a guided tour of the First Ladies' Garden at the White House; and

WHEREAS, Emily Ward looks out for the well-being of the children and ensures that no child at LLC goes without basic needs such as a coat, hat, books, or shoes, even if that means personally purchasing items for families without being asked; and

WHEREAS, Emily Ward has been instrumental in assisting the center's teachers with their continuing education, offering her assistance with college-level applications, and seeking out specialized training and workshops for them to attend; and

WHEREAS, an integral member of the LLC family, Emily Ward brings her belief in the worth and dignity of each little human being to this highly vulnerable and often unseen population; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend Emily Ward on her outstanding service to the residents of Northern Virginia and on her well-deserved honor as a 2010 Best of Reston award recipient; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Emily Ward as an expression of the General Assembly's gratitude for her efforts on behalf of the community of Reston.