25 LC 112 3105 House Resolution 371 By: Representatives Schofield of the 63 rd , Lewis-Ward of the 115 th , Scott of the 76 th , Barnes of the 86 th , and Cameron of the 1 st A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders" 1 Recognition and Awards finalists, "Overcomer Founder" Award, "Ruth Brewster Endurance"2 Award, and Historian Award recipients for their achievements; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, in recognition of the valuable contributions of single parents in Georgia, House4 Resolution 279 was enacted, designating March 21 of each year as Georgia Single Parent5 Day; and6 WHEREAS, The National Leadership Group Inc., in partnership with former State7 Representative Valencia Stovall, identified the need for an annual event, launching the8 Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders" Recognition and Awards in 2019 to honor the9 dedication and accomplishments of single parents, regardless of gender, cultural background,10 or economic status; and11 WHEREAS, the Georgia Single Parent "Overcomer Founder" Award, established by former12 State Representative Valencia Stovall in 2022, recognizes single parents who have triumphed13 over significant challenges to provide their children with the opportunity to thrive and14 succeed; and15 H. R. 371 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3105 WHEREAS, the Georgia Single Parent "Ruth Brewster Endurance" Award, established by 16 Mother Ruth Brewster in 2023, honors single parents who persevere through adversity to17 create a nurturing, supportive environment for their children's success; and18 WHEREAS, the Historian Award, introduced in 2025, celebrates extraordinary single parents19 whose remarkable achievements and resilience have defied the odds, broken barriers, and left20 a lasting impact, inspiring future generations; and21 WHEREAS, 38 outstanding single parents have been nominated for recognition at the 202522 Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders" Recognition and Awards event, with the following23 awardees: Shayla Lawrence (Education) of Atlanta, April Baylis (Medical & Health) of24 Atlanta, Dr. Eddie Gordon (Community Service) of Ellenwood, Shalondra Gurley (Business25 Owner) of Hiram, Latasha Frazier (Public Service) of Jonesboro, Tiffanie Bacon26 (Faith-Based) of Morrow, and Jyshon Harrell Sr. (Arts & Entertainment) of Loganville; and27 WHEREAS, the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Overcomer Founder" Award recipients are Dr.28 Hazel Jay of Riverdale and Christopher Walls of Lithia Springs; and29 WHEREAS, the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Ruth Brewster Endurance" Award recipient30 is Rhema Davis of Marietta; and31 WHEREAS, the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Historian" Award recipient is Dr. Melody32 Kelley of Sandy Springs; and33 WHEREAS, parents devote immeasurable time, energy, and care to raising their children,34 ensuring they grow into responsible, productive, and successful adults; and35 H. R. 371 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3105 WHEREAS, the challenges of raising children as a single parent in today's society are 36 particularly daunting; and37 WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to honor the outstanding accomplishments of these38 remarkable individuals for their exemplary contributions and unwavering dedication.39 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that40 the members of this body recognize and commend the recipients of the 2025 Georgia Single41 Parent "Legacy Builders" Recognition and Awards for their exceptional role as single-parent42 leaders and extend best wishes for continued success.43 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized44 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to each45 of the recipients named herein.46 H. R. 371 - 3 -