S 0705  Resolution, By Massey
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE HODA ABDALLA OF LEXINGTON AS THE
 2018 PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY GIRLS NATION AND TO COMMEND HER
 FOR DEDICATED SERVICE IN THIS ROLE.
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   03/26/19  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 7)

TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE HODA ABDALLA OF LEXINGTON AS THE 2018 PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY GIRLS NATION AND TO COMMEND HER FOR DEDICATED SERVICE IN THIS ROLE.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to learn that Hoda Abdalla was elected by her peers as the seventy-second American Legion Auxiliary, or ALA, Girls Nation President in July 2018 in Washington, D.C.; and

Whereas, founded in 1947, ALA is a nonpartisan organization that sponsors summer state programs for high school seniors, with seven thousand girls participating every year, and a national program, with just one hundred girls participating. ALA Girls Nation introduces teenage girls from across the country to public service and focuses on civility discourse; and

Whereas, a second-generation American born to Sudanese parents, Hoda Abdalla sees civic engagement as a way to give back to her country, which she says has given her freedoms she would not have otherwise had; and

Whereas, Hoda joined the ALA State Program because she wanted to be in an inspiring environment, surrounded by empowered women who believe in positive policy discussion and who believe that young women are the future leaders of America; and

Whereas, as a participant in ALA Girls Nation on the national level, Hoda and her "co-senator" wrote a bill establishing automatic voter registration nationally. She was also able to meet and ask for advice for young leaders from South Carolina's United States Senators, Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, and Vice President Mike Pence; and

Whereas, as a student at Lexington High School and an active leader in her school and community, Hoda has served as a member of the National Technical Honor Society, member of the Superintendent's Advisory Council, Chief Editor for Cat's Paw Yearbook, State Reporter for South Carolina HOSA Future Health Professionals, and South Carolina Student Lead for Million Women Mentors; and

Whereas, over the years, she has received a number of honors and awards for her achievements, including Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen, commendation in a resolution by Lexington County Council, and first place in the South Carolina HOSA Future Health Professionals competitive event on researched persuasive speaking and writing. She also rode on The American Legion's 2019 Rose Parade float; and

Whereas, Hoda plans to study medicine in college and someday run for public office, combining her passions for politics and healthcare; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the pride and recognition that Hoda Abdalla has brought to her community and school and look forward to a future filled with further accomplishments by this talented leader. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor and recognize Hoda Abdalla of Lexington as the 2018 President of American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation and commend her for her dedicated service in this role.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Hoda Abdalla.