HR695: HR695 Kelley, Councilwoman Dr. Melody; recipient of the 2025 Georgia Single Parent Fifth "Legacy Builders" Award; commend

25 LC 112 3419 House Resolution 695 By: Representatives Roberts of the 52nd, Holland of the 54th, Tran of the 80th, Silcox of the 53rd, and Lupton of the 83rd A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Councilwoman Dr. Melody Kelley, reci pient of the 20251 Georgia Single Parent Fifth "Legacy Builders" Award; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Councilwoman Dr. Melody Kelley has been honored with t he 2025 Georgia3 Single Parent Fifth "Legacy Builders" Award in recognition of her remarkable perseverance,4 groundbreaking achievements, and unwavering commitment to uplifting her community; and5 WHEREAS, she made history as the first African American woman doctoral candidate in the6 chemistry department at the University of Alabama, where she co -founded the nationally7 recognized Graduate Parent Support Program to assist student pa rents navigating higher8 education, earning her doctorate in organic chemistry in 2014; and9 WHEREAS, after building a distinguished academic career, she became a tenured associate10 professor of chemistry at Georgia State University's Perimeter College and a STEM faculty11 associate at the GSU Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learnin g, and Online Education,12 where she has shaped the next generation of STEM leaders; and13 H. R. 695 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3419 WHEREAS, in 2016, she moved to Sandy Springs with her daughter, Kiara, and quickly14 became a dedicated advocate for education, serving on the PTO b oards of Sandy Springs15 Charter Middle School and North Springs High School; and16 WHEREAS, she is the driving force behind Georgia State Universi ty's Rising Panthers17 Program, which provides Sandy Springs K-12 students with immersive college experiences,18 encouraging underrepresented youth to pursue higher education; and19 WHEREAS, in 2021, she made history as the first African American person elected to the20 Sandy Springs City Council, where she has continued her commitment to equity, education,21 and civic engagement, serving as a powerful voice for her community; and22 WHEREAS, she spearheaded Sandy Springs' first Juneteenth Celebr ation in collaboration23 with the City of Dunwoody, bringing together communities in cultural appreciation; and24 WHEREAS, Dr. Melody Kelley exemplifies the true spirit of a Leg acy Builder, breaking25 historic barriers, advancing opportunities for others, and work ing to empower future26 generations.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that28 the members of this body recognize and commend Councilwoman Dr. Melody Kelley on29 being named the recipient of the 2025 Georgia Single Parent Fifth "Legacy Builders" Award30 and extend best wishes for her 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 ava ilable for distribution to33 Councilwoman Dr. Melody Kelley.34 H. R. 695 - 2 -