2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25107487D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 425

Offered February 17, 2025

Commending Kaiya Amani Williams.

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Patrons—Boysko; Delegate: Sullivan

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WHEREAS, Kaiya Amani Williams, a student at McLean High School, was presented a Student Peace Award of Fairfax County in 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County were established in 2006 to annually recognize one junior, one senior, or a student group at each public high school in Fairfax County who has worked to promote peace in their community; and

WHEREAS, as a sophomore, Kaiya Williams worked with other students to form the Black Student Union at McLean High School; in her senior year, she served as president of the organization and devoted considerable time and energy to advance the organization's mission; and

WHEREAS, in October 2023, Kaiya Williams and the Black Student Union participated in a peaceful walkout in solidarity with the Muslim Student Association to advocate for a nonviolent and peaceful resolution to the conflicts in the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, under Kaiya Williams's leadership, the Black Student Union increased its membership, garnered greater participation and support from faculty and the school administration, and fostered ties with similar groups at other schools in Fairfax County; and

WHEREAS, Kaiya Williams's efforts have made a positive and lasting impact on the Fairfax County community, earning her the esteem and admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Kaiya Amani Williams for receiving a 2024 Student Peace Award of Fairfax County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kaiya Amani Williams as an expression of the General Assembly's high regard for her contributions to Fairfax County and the Commonwealth.