HR575: HR575 Moving in the Spirit; commend

25 LC 112 3274 House Resolution 575 By: Representative Lupton of the 83rd A RESOLUTION Commending Moving in the Spirit; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Moving in the Spirit was founded in 1986 by Dana Lupto n, Leah Mann, and2 Genene Stewart to empower underserved youth through dance, growing from a single class3 for 25 girls into an award-winning creative youth development program; and4 WHEREAS, throughout its 39-year history, Moving in the Spirit h as impacted more than5 5,000 children through its programs and inspired tens of thousands more through workshops6 and performances, forging key partnerships with organizations such as the Atlanta Children's7 Shelter, Boys & Girls Clubs of Atlanta, and KIPP Atlanta Schools; and8 WHEREAS, the organization has earned national recognition, including being honored at a9 2005 White House ceremony hosted by First Lady Laura Bush and performing for Liberian10 President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; and11 WHEREAS, in 2021, Moving in the Spirit opened a $10 million per forming arts center at12 MARTA's Edgewood/Candler Park development, establishing a permanent home to further13 its mission of transforming lives through the arts; and14 H. R. 575 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3274 WHEREAS, its measurable impact includes a 96 percent increase in student confidence, with15 100 percent of seniors graduating high school and pursuing high er education, vocational16 training, or military service; and17 WHEREAS, alumni of Moving in the Spirit have gone on to excel i n diverse careers,18 including Broadway, public health, education, and civic leaders hip, with many attributing19 their success to the confidence, discipline, and creativity instilled by the program; and20 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkab le organization be21 appropriately honored during this special time.22 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that23 the members of this body commend Moving in the Spirit for its d ecades of outstanding24 contributions to youth development through the arts and extend best wishes for continued25 success.26 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized27 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to28 Moving in the Spirit.29 H. R. 575 - 2 -