House Resolution 310 By: Representatives Santos of the 117th, Holly of the 116th, Douglas of the 78th, Flournoy of the 74th, Kahaian of the 81st, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Judge Holly W. Veal on her outstanding public service; and for other purposes. WHEREAS, Judge Holly W. Veal has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for the vital role that she has played in leadership and her deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and WHEREAS, she has diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of her time, talents, and energy toward the betterment of her community and state, as evidenced dramatically by her superlative service with the Superior Court of Henry County; and WHEREAS, Judge Veal is a trailblazer in the legal profession, serving as the first Guyanese/African American as well as the first woman to hold a judgeship in the Superior Court of Henry County; and WHEREAS, throughout her distinguished career, she has been recognized by her peers and colleagues for her exemplary advocacy, having argued cases before the Supreme Court of Georgia, and her dedication to ethical standards in the legal profession is reflected in her service on the Formal Advisory Opinion Board through the State Bar of Georgia; and WHEREAS, Judge Veal has further demonstrated a steadfast commitment to reform and rehabilitation through her oversight of the Henry County Adult Felony Drug Court Program, championing initiatives that provide opportunities for drug offenders to reintegrate into society and pursue paths to recovery; and WHEREAS, outside the courtroom, she remains deeply engaged in her community and serves on the Board of Directors for the Hands of Hope Clinic; and WHEREAS, as additional testament to her excellent service, she was previously honored by the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for her leadership as chair of the Debra Blum Mental Health Committee; and WHEREAS, with her steadfast dedication to justice and the proper administration of the law, Judge Holly W. Veal continues to inspire and lead, and it is abundantly fitting and proper that she be appropriately honored. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend Judge Holly W. Veal for her efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia and extend their most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Judge Holly W. Veal.