HR 698: Ali, Sis. Terri; commend

House Resolution 698

By: Representatives Scott of the 76th, Davis of the 87th, and Schofield of the 63rd

A RESOLUTION

Commending Sis. Terri Ali; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Sis. Terri Ali has been instrumental in the development and management of the Firdous Community Farm at Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, fostering an environment where students gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and healthy living; and

WHEREAS, her passion for agriculture began in 2012 when she became a certified natural grower and established Terri's Backyard Garden, where she cultivated food for her family and local markets before relocating her efforts to the school in 2014; and

WHEREAS, under her guidance, the school farm has grown from a few garden beds into a USDA-recognized 10,000-square-foot operation with 25 garden beds, two large wind tunnels for year-round food production, and two orchards producing fresh fruit; and

WHEREAS, beyond traditional farming, students under her direction participate in agricultural and ecological practices such as nurturing butterflies, raising honeybees, composting, cooking, and producing value-added goods in addition to sharing resources with local homesteaders and sending seeds to a village in The Gambia, West Africa; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the Health and Wellness Committee, she has helped implement a school-wide commitment to healthy dietary practices, reinforcing the importance of nutrition in combating intergenerational health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol in the surrounding community; and

WHEREAS, the recent hiring of a chef for the Farm to Cafeteria program has further expanded the farm's impact, allowing fresh produce grown on-site to be served daily to students, teachers, and their families; and

WHEREAS, Mohammed Schools of Atlanta routinely collaborates with urban growers and has partnered with the Georgia Women of Agriculture to uphold clean, natural, and earth-friendly growing practices, ensuring sustainability for future generations; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable individual be appropriately honored during this special time.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend Sis. Terri Ali for her visionary leadership in agricultural education and her dedication to sustainability, wellness, and community engagement as well as extend best wishes for continued success.

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 Sis. Terri Ali.