WHEREAS, Joyce Kistner of Bristol has enriched the lives of countless fellow residents with her civic involvement and community service; and

WHEREAS, a retired educator, Joyce Kistner taught fourth grade at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School for many years, creating a nurturing environment in which all of her students could thrive; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Kistner also advocated for strong schools to prepare Bristol students for their futures as a member of the Bristol Virginia Public Schools Board; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Kistner continues to influence young people as a member of and volunteer with the Bristol Historical Association, sharing Bristol's history with fourth grade students in Bristol, Virginia, and Bristol, Tennessee, public schools and two area private schools; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Kistner gives to each student she teaches a special bookmark she designed and created; the bookmark depicts scenes from Bristol's history and serves as a reminder to students of the information they learned; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Kistner also wrote and illustrated Tracking Bristol VA.-Tenn. History, a history book for young people that provides interesting facts and games to help them learn about their city's rich history; and

WHEREAS, a respected community leader, Joyce Kistner provides wise insight and guidance as a member of the Bristol Public Library board of trustees and served as chair of the Bristol Virginia Republican Committee for many years; and

WHEREAS, a talented artist, Joyce Kistner is actively involved in the arts community; an artisan with 'Round the Mountain, her work is featured at the Bristol Public Library Gallery; and

WHEREAS, Joyce Kistner was the recipient of the 2005 Beryl Hawkins Award of Merit at the Newell-Hendershot watermedia exhibition at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, a model citizen, Joyce Kistner exemplifies the role that committed residents can make in the well-being of their communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Joyce Kistner hereby be commended for her many contributions to the City of Bristol and its residents; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Joyce Kistner as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her dedicated community service and strong civic spirit.