Bill Text: VA HJR500 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Barbara Sorenson.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-1)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-09 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ500ER) [HJR500 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HJR500-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Barbara Sorenson, a respected educator and community volunteer who served as president of the Herndon afterschool program Vecinos Unidos, retired in 2016 following a distinguished career; and
WHEREAS, Vecinos Unidos is a nonprofit program originally started in 1997 to address the academic needs of Hispanic students in the Herndon community; it later expanded its offerings to include afterschool homework assistance, mentoring, and enrichment activities for all students in need in grades one through six; a former educator, Barbara Sorenson began volunteering with Vecinos Unidos in the early 2000s and later took the reins as the organization's president; and
WHEREAS, under Barbara Sorenson's able leadership, Vecinos Unidos evolved and thrived, aiding over 1,000 students through programs that help build skills in reading, mathematics, and technology; and
WHEREAS, one of Barbara Sorenson's biggest accomplishments as president of Vecinos Unidos was the addition of a summer program at the Herndon Resource Center that allows students to continue to receive educational assistance outside of the school year; and
WHEREAS, a tireless champion of education, Barbara Sorenson won the respect of her colleagues and her community for her efforts with Vecinos Unidos and helped numerous young people unlock their potential as learners; and
WHEREAS, on April 19, 2017, Barbara Sorenson was honored with a retirement reception that included the Vecinos Unidos board of directors, 30 volunteers, and two former student participants; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Barbara Sorenson on her 15 years of service to the youth of Herndon as a volunteer with and leader of Vecinos Unidos; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Barbara Sorenson as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her dedication to the community and best wishes for a well-deserved retirement.
