HR621: HR621 Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club; 60th Cotillion; commend

25 LC 112 3420 House Resolution 621 By: Representatives Howard of the 129th, Heffner of the 130th, Prince of the 132nd, and Myles of the 126th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club on its 60th Cotillion; and1 for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club was founded in 1963 w hen six female3 students at Augustus R. Johnson Junior High School approached their science teacher, Mrs.4 Rosa Tarver Beard, to sponsor them in developing into distinguished young women; and5 WHEREAS, a master educator and community leader, Mrs. Rosa Tarver Beard dedicated 416 years to education, beginning her career at Bettis Academy and Junior College in Trenton,7 South Carolina, before continuing in Augusta at C. T. Walker El ementary, A. R. Johnson8 Junior High School, and T. W. Josey High School; and9 WHEREAS, the Augusta Adult Society was created to present the f irst Cotillion, and on10 February 24, 1965, nine debutantes and six sub-debutantes were formally introduced to11 society at the National Guard Armory; and12 WHEREAS, the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club formalized its identity in the 1970s, adopting13 the name "The Debutante Club," the colors navy and white, and its slogan, "As a debutante,14 I will be a phantom of the night, who walks in beauty like the night"; and15 H. R. 621 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3420 WHEREAS, as Augusta's high schools integrated in the 1970s, the club expanded its reach,16 and by the 1980s and 1990s, membership grew exponentially, culm inating in a record 7217 debutantes in 1988; and18 WHEREAS, the organization has since upheld a tradition of excel lence, establishing key19 honors such as "Miss Cotillion" in 1970, "Miss Cooperative" in 1986, "Founder's Award" in20 1993, and "Mr. Escort" in 1993; and21 WHEREAS, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, the organization was incorporated on Mrs.22 Beard's birthdate, November 22, 2013, and in 2014, her daughter, Reverend Cheryl Beard,23 became CEO; and24 WHEREAS, the club continues to empower young Black men and wome n through25 leadership development, social and cultural enrichment, civic e ngagement, and service26 opportunities, making it abundantly fitting and proper that it be appropriately honored during27 this special time.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that29 the members of this body recognize and commend the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club upon30 its 60th Cotillion and extend best wishes for continued success.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized32 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the33 Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club.34 H. R. 621 - 2 -