2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26109375D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 311

Offered March 9, 2026

Commending the Virginia Youth Poet Laureate.

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Patrons—Glass, Anderson, Anthony, Askew, Austin, Ballard, Bloxom, Bulova, Callsen, Carnegie, Carr, Carroll, Cherry, Clark, Cohen, Cole, J.G., Cole, N.T., Convirs-Fowler, Cornett, Cousins, Davis, Delaney, Dougherty, Downey, Feggans, Fowler, Franklin, L.V., Franklin, M.A., Gardner, Garrett, Griffin, Guzman, Hamilton, Hayes, Helmer, Henson, Hernandez, Herring, Hodges, Hope, Kent, Keys-Gamarra, Kilgore, Krizek, Laufer, Leftwich, LeVere Bolling, Lopez, Maldonado, Martinez, McAuliff, McClure, McGuire, McLaughlin, McNamara, McPike, McQuinn, Mehta, Morefield, Nivar, Oates, O'Quinn, Pence, Phillips, Pope Adams, Price, Rasoul, Reaser, Reid, Runion, Schmidt, Scott, D., Scott, P.A., Seibold, Sewell, Shin, Simon, Simonds, Singh, Sullivan, Tata, Thomas, Thornton, Torian, Tran, Wachsmann, Walker, Ward, Ware, Watts, Webert, Whittle, Wiley, Willett, Williams, Wilt, Wright, Wyatt and Zehr; Senators: Aird, Bagby, Bennett-Parker, Boysko, Carroll Foy, Cifers, Craig, Deeds, DeSteph, Diggs, Durant, Favola, French, Hackworth, Head, Jones, Jordan, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, McDougle, McPike, Mulchi, Obenshain, Peake, Pekarsky, Perry, Pillion, Reeves, Roem, Rouse, Salim, Srinivasan, Stanley, Stuart, Sturtevant, Suetterlein, Surovell, VanValkenburg and Williams Graves

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WHEREAS, Doran Glass III, a student at Hampden-Sydney College and a talented poet known for his commitment to community leadership and youth empowerment, was selected as the 2025 Virginia Youth Poet Laureate and the Norfolk Youth Poet Laureate; and

WHEREAS, from a young age, Doran Glass III embraced the power of storytelling and self-expression, writing his first poem in the third grade titled “A Father's Love,” beginning a journey that would grow into a powerful platform for youth voice and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Doran Glass III has distinguished himself as a leader among his peers through his involvement with Teens With a Purpose, where he served as both a peer leader and senior peer leader, helping to plan and facilitate Creative Youth Development programs and workshops in public schools that encouraged young people to explore spoken word poetry as a means of self-expression and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Doran Glass III is the first male youth poet laureate in Virginia; he has planned and hosted “State of the Youth Voice,” a youth-led event bringing together young people from across Hampton Roads to share their lived experiences through spoken word, music, testimony, and presentations addressing critical issues such as mental health, gun violence, education, justice and equity, and environmental concerns; and

WHEREAS, through the event, Doran Glass III fostered collaboration between local youths, community leaders, and elected officials to create meaningful dialogue and develop action-oriented solutions to challenges facing the next generation; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Maury High School, Doran Glass III is currently a student at Hampden-Sydney College, where he works with the Office of Culture and Inclusion to facilitate equity training and mentorship initiatives that promote understanding and opportunity for students; and

WHEREAS, Doran Glass III also serves as social chair of the Hampden-Sydney College Minority Student Union, organizing programs that strengthen the community, increase visibility, and promote inclusive engagement on campus; and

WHEREAS, beyond his academic and artistic pursuits, Doran Glass III mentors high school and elementary school students in Prince Edward County Public Schools, helping young people discover their own voices and confidence through education, creativity, and civic participation; and

WHEREAS, Doran Glass III has inspired others by using his voice as both a call to action and a bridge to healing, uplifting communities and empowering young people across the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Doran Glass III for his achievements as the 2025 Virginia Youth Poet Laureate and the Norfolk Youth Poet Laureate; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Doran Glass III as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to community service through poetry, mentorship, and civic engagement.