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Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 24
BY REPRESENTATIVE SMITH
A RESOLUTION
To commend the Louisiana School for the Deaf upon the grand opening of the Dr. Monita
D. Hara ProStart Kitchen and to recognize posthumously Dr. Hara, former school
director, for her commitment and contributions to the development of the school's
culinary arts program.
WHEREAS, the mission of the Louisiana School for the Deaf is to enhance the
academic, vocational, physical, emotional, social, and cultural development of each student,
to provide a visually accessible, positive, and nurturing environment that emphasizes literacy
and effective communication skills, and to be a caring community where students can
achieve personal excellence and become independent lifelong learners; and
WHEREAS, on January 13, 2013, the Louisiana School for the Deaf hosted a
celebration marking the grand opening of the Dr. Monita G. Hara ProStart Kitchen, which
plays a key role in the school's ongoing fulfillment of its worthy mission; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Monita G. Hara served with great distinction and effectiveness as
the director of the school prior to her death in February of 2012, and her vision of
establishing a culinary arts program with a ProStart kitchen has become a reality; and
WHEREAS, ProStart is a nationwide program for high school students that teaches
all facets of the restaurant and food service industry and inspires students to strive for
excellence and success, and through a partnership with the Louisiana Restaurant
Association, the Louisiana School for the Deaf has become the eighth high school in the
state to offer this program; and
WHEREAS, the kitchen features state-of-the-industry, commercial-grade appliances
as well as demonstration and serving areas, and this environment offers students a valuable
chance to learn, grow, and train for future career opportunities in the culinary arts; and ENROLLEDHR NO. 24
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WHEREAS, because of Dr. Hara's hard work and dedication to this project, the
ProStart kitchen is named in her memory, and Dr. Nancy Benham, current school director,
is honoring Dr. Hara's legacy by ensuring the continuation of the school's ProStart program;
and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to record for posterity the historic and memorable
occasion of the grand opening of the Dr. Monita G. Hara ProStart Kitchen at the Louisiana
School for the Deaf.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend the Louisiana School for the Deaf upon the
grand opening of the Dr. Monita G. Hara ProStart Kitchen, does hereby posthumously
recognize Dr. Hara, former school director, for her unwavering commitment and singular
contributions to the development of the school's culinary arts program, and does hereby
extend to the administration, faculty, and staff of this outstanding school best wishes for
continuing success in their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the director of the Louisiana School for the Deaf.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES