HR1550: HR1550 Russell, Mrs. Barberette; outstanding service, unwavering commitment to education, and lifelong dedication to strengthening families and communities; commend

26 LC 129 1322 House Resolution 1550 By: Representatives Scott of the 76th, Burnough of the 77th, Flournoy of the 74th, Schofield of the 63rd, and Davis of the 87th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Mrs. Barberette Russell for her outs tanding service,1 unwavering commitment to education, and lifelong dedication to strengthening families and2 communities; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, Mrs. Barberette Russell is a proud native of Atlanta, Georgia, whose life has4 been defined by service, leadership, and compassion; and5 WHEREAS, she earned an undergraduate degree in Education and Sp ecial Needs from6 Mercer University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Strayer University,7 equipping her with the knowledge and vision to lead and inspire; and8 WHEREAS, with over fifteen years of experience in Early Childho od Education, Mrs.9 Russell has nurtured and shaped countless young learners, positively impacting children and10 families throughout her distinguished career; and11 WHEREAS, she is the devoted mother of four accomplished adult c hildren, including an12 entrepreneurial driver, a United States Marine with more than f ifteen years of honorable13 service, a daughter who became a certified NASCAR technician at the remarkable age of14 nineteen, and a son who is the proud father of four wonderful children; and15 H. R. 1550 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1322 WHEREAS, for more than two decades, Mrs. Russell has demonstrat ed exceptional16 dedication to community service across Georgia, contributing her time and talents to voter17 registration initiatives, feeding the homeless, supporting senior citizens at Crestview Nursing18 Home, and serving numerous schools throughout Clayton County an d the greater Atlanta19 area; and20 WHEREAS, she is a steadfast supporter of the Breast Cancer, Aut ism, and Atlanta Heart21 foundations, reflecting her compassionate commitment to advanci ng health and wellness22 within the community; and23 WHEREAS, as the devoted caregiver of her brother, Johnny Shorte r, who has Down24 syndrome, Mrs. Russell exemplifies love, patience, and advocacy, extending her commitment25 to disability rights through her work with Clayton Adult for Disability and ARC, and earning26 certification through Family Bridge to better serve adults with disabilities; and27 WHEREAS, guided by her faith and inspired by 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV), "each of you should use28 whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful st ewards of God's grace in its29 various forms," Mrs. Russell has faithfully lived out this scripture through her tireless efforts30 to uplift, empower, and serve others; and31 WHEREAS, Mrs. Russell's life stands as a shining example of servant leadership, dedication32 to education, advocacy for individuals with disabilities, and u nwavering commitment to33 strengthening families and communities throughout Georgia.34 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that35 the members of this body recognize and commend Mrs. Barberette Russell for her36 H. R. 1550 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1322 extraordinary contributions to education, community service, an d advocacy, and extend37 sincere gratitude for her continued impact on the citizens of this great state.38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized39 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Mrs.40 Barberette Russell.41 H. R. 1550 - 3 -