HR2039: HR2039 Ellis, Jelinda W.; commend

26 LC 112 4186 House Resolution 2039 By: Representative Santos of the 117th A RESOLUTION Commending Jelinda W. Ellis; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Jelinda W. Ellis has demonstrated a strong commitment to the arts through her2 work as a dancer, educator, and entrepreneur, contributing to t he cultural and educational3 landscape of her community; and4 WHEREAS, a native of Jackson, Georgia, she began her training in dance at the age of three5 at the Robinson School of Dance (T&K Studios), where she developed a foundation in ballet,6 tap, jazz, and pointe; and7 WHEREAS, during her collegiate years, she began teaching and ch oreographing at T&K8 Studios and Gift of Dance Studio, instructing students across multiple dance disciplines and9 serving as a studio and recital assistant; and10 WHEREAS, her competition choreography for students aged 3 to 13 earned numerous11 accolades, including first-place awards, judges' choice recogni tions, and honors for best12 choreography; and13 H. R. 2039 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4186 WHEREAS, in 2017, she was accepted into Debbie Allen's Summer Dance Intensive, where14 she expanded her training across a wide range of dance styles, and she thereafter continued15 to build her career by teaching and performing, including work with Broadway Performing16 Arts Center and the H.O.M.E. of Fine Arts program for homeschool students; and17 WHEREAS, on May 1, 2019, she realized her vision of expanding access to dance education18 by founding Elevé Dance Studio in Locust Grove, Georgia, where she provides instruction19 to students of all ages and skill levels and fosters an environ ment centered on discipline,20 creativity, and artistic growth; and21 WHEREAS, in August 2020, she was selected as the first dance te acher at McDonough22 Middle School, establishing a program that remains the only middle school dance program23 in Henry County, and she further strengthened her professional qualifications by becoming24 a certified dance educator in 2023; and25 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this exceptio nal individual be26 appropriately honored during this special time.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that28 the members of this body commend Jelinda W. Ellis for her contributions to dance education29 and extend best wishes for continued success.30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized31 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to32 Jelinda W. Ellis.33 H. R. 2039 - 2 -