SLS 24RS-795 ORIGINAL
2024 Regular Session
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 9
BY SENATOR HENRY
COMMENDATIONS. Commends Margaret Orr on the occasion of her retirement from
WDSU-TV.
1 A RESOLUTION
2 To commend and congratulate Margaret Orr on the occasion of her retirement from WDSU-
3 TV after forty-five years of providing invaluable guidance and information to the
4 residents of Southeast Louisiana.
5 WHEREAS, Margaret Orr joined WDSU News in 1979 as a general assignment
6 reporter "who could also do the weather", and rose to the position of Chief Meteorologist in
7 2009, demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment to her profession; and
8 WHEREAS, early in her career, Margaret Orr co-hosted WDSU's morning show
9 "The Breakfast Edition" and also co-hosted "The World's Fair Show" which broadcasted
10 daily from the grounds of the 1984 World's Fair; and
11 WHEREAS, as a meteorologist, Margaret Orr played a pivotal role in guiding
12 Southeast Louisiana through the impacts of thirty-one hurricanes, including the monumental
13 storms Katrina and Ida, and ensured the safety and well-being of the community; and
14 WHEREAS, Margaret Orr, a native of New Orleans and a graduate of Louisiana
15 State University and the Mississippi State Broadcast Meteorology program, has consistently
16 exemplified excellence and professionalism in her field; and
17 WHEREAS, Margaret Orr holds a seal of approval from the American
18 Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association as well as first-place awards
Page 1 of 2 SR NO. 9
SLS 24RS-795 ORIGINAL
1 from the Associated Press and the New Orleans Press Club for breaking weather stories; and
2 WHEREAS, Margaret Orr has been recognized with numerous other accolades,
3 including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters
4 in 2022, and the Distinguished Service Award at the National Hurricane Conference,
5 underscoring her outstanding contributions to meteorology and public service; and
6 WHEREAS, Margaret Orr's dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors,
7 as evidenced by her founding of The Mystic Krewe of Barkus in 1993, a beloved French
8 Quarter dog parade, her distinction as an "Honorary Muse" by New Orleans' first all-female
9 Mardi Gras Krewe Muses in 2024, and for more than twenty years, her role as co-host of the
10 Children's Hospital Telethon helping to raise millions of dollars for the Children's hospital;
11 and
12 WHEREAS, Margaret Orr's vibrant presence, characterized by her signature bright
13 red hair and infectious enthusiasm, has been a source of joy and inspiration to the residents
14 of Southeast Louisiana, and she is, by any measure, a beloved local icon; and
15 WHEREAS, Margaret Orr's retirement on Friday, March 29, 2024, marks the end of
16 an era, but her legacy as a dedicated meteorologist, community leader, and cherished
17 member of the Southeast Louisiana community will endure for generations to come.
18 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
19 does hereby commend and congratulate Margaret Orr on the occasion of her retirement from
20 WDSU-TV and recognizes and records for posterity her outstanding achievements and
21 dedication and professionalism throughout her esteemed career.
22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
23 Margaret Orr.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Dawn Romero Watson.
DIGEST
SR 9 Original 2024 Regular Session Henry
Commends Margaret Orr on the occasion of her retirement from WDSU-TV.
Page 2 of 2