HJR 501

HJR501 193844-1 By Representative Hall RFD: Rules First Read: 27-MAR-18 193844-1:n:03/22/2018:DSM/bm LSA2018-1450 COMMENDING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF MRS. SYLVIA OAKES AND CONGRATULATING HER UPON HER RETIREMENT. WHEREAS, after 40 years of remarkable and dedicated service to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) as an Urban Regional Extension Agent, Sylvia Oakes retired January 1, 2018; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Oakes provided educational outreach to the citizens of Alabama on behalf of the two land-grant universities, Alabama A&M University and Auburn University; and WHEREAS, she coordinated and delivered research-based educational programs designed to empower individuals to improve their quality of life and economic well-being, such as Diet Our Thing, Today's MOM, SPACE Program, and Successful Aging Initiative; and WHEREAS, under the leadership of Sylvia Oakes, the federal based reading program was implemented for elementary students in the Lawrence County Public School System; and WHEREAS, Sylvia held the position of County Agent in the Mobile County Extension office where she supervised the Nutrition Education program; and WHEREAS, the crowning achievement of Sylvia's career was her tenure as interim Madison County Extension Coordinator, she facilitated the day-to-day operations of managing the staff, overseeing the budget, and meeting with county commissioners and other public officials to secure continued funding for county programs; and WHEREAS, Sylvia was assigned to the federal program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP"), assisting participants to become focused on a healthy diet; and WHEREAS, Sylvia presented educational diabetes programs on the national and international levels; and WHEREAS, she was instrumental in taking the 4-H youth to Washington, D.C., and to Montgomery, Alabama, to the State Legislature exposing the youth to the formation of laws, policies, and procedures; and WHEREAS, Sylvia was the cofounder of the Urban Youth Farm Day, which was designed to introduce urban youth to an agricultural environment; and WHEREAS, Sylvia authored several publications to be used as a guide for proper etiquette for youth and adults; and WHEREAS, Sylvia has numerous civic and professional affiliations, including Kappa Omicron Nu, National Education Association, American Association of Retired Person, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the American Diabetes Association; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we are proud to commend Mrs. Sylvia Oakes for her professional achievement and contributions to this state, and by copy of this resolution we convey our highest esteem and best wishes for her well-deserved retirement.