HR1575: HR1575 Dillard, Dr. Thelma; remarkable career and lifelong dedication and exemplary service in education, civil rights, and community leadership within the Bibb County region; commend

26 LC 129 1337 House Resolution 1575 By: Representatives Herring of the 145th, Jones of the 143rd, and Paris of the 142nd A RESOLUTION Commending the remarkable career and lifelong dedication of Dr. Thelma Dillard and her1 exemplary service in education, civil rights, and community lea dership within the Bibb2 County region; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, Dr. Thelma Dillard devoted 56 years to the Bibb County School District,4 beginning her career as an educator and retiring after decades of teaching, mentoring5 students, and enriching academic communities across the county; and6 WHEREAS, she spent 44 years directly in classrooms inspiring and encouraging generations7 of learners; and8 WHEREAS, after her initial retirement in 2011, she continued to serve her community by9 joining the Bibb County Board of Education, serving for an addi tional 12 years in elected10 office; and 11 WHEREAS, her family played an active role in the integration of the Bibb County public12 schools, contributing to progress in civil rights and equal educational access; and13 H. R. 1575 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1337 WHEREAS, as an elected member of the Bibb County Board of Educa tion, Dr. Dillard14 represented District 2 with d istinction, advoca ting for policie s and practices that foster15 student achievement, equity, and high-quality instruction for all learners across the district;16 and 17 WHEREAS, during her tenure she worked relentlessly to show her dedication to good18 governance, educational improvement, and the betterment of students; and19 WHEREAS, beyond her work in public schools, Dr. Dillard has bee n honored by local20 leaders and the community for her outstanding commitment to children and families, and she21 consistently uplifted our children by celebrating graduates and encouraging them to pursue22 their dreams in diverse careers; and23 WHEREAS, Dr. Dillard's legacy extends beyond institutional role s to encompass a deep24 personal commitment to service, compassion, and community advocacy, rooted in her belief25 that every child can succeed and should be given the opportunit y to thrive regardless of26 background or circumstance.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that28 the members of this body honor and commend Dr. Thelma Dillard f or her extraordinary29 contributions to education, her unwavering leadership within the Bibb County School District30 and Board of Education, and her lifelong dedication to expandin g opportunity and31 championing excellence for all students.32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized33 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Dr.34 Thelma Dillard.35 H. R. 1575 - 2 -