On Feb. 9, 2023, the Norfolk State University mighty Spartan “Legion” Marching Band was honored by the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate for their historic performance in the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade, as well as their long and exemplary history of marching band excellence representing the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Director of Bands William H. Beathea, Associate Director of Bands Stephanie K. Sanders, select band members, student leaders, and Norfolk State administrators and staff traveled to Richmond on Thursday morning to participate in the honors in both wings of the Capitol of Virginia.
Before the ceremonies, NSU students met with, heard from, and spoke with various Virginia legislators regarding the support of HBCUs, as well as minority opportunities in education and politics.
After a packed schedule of morning meetings, the students, administrators, and staff made their way to the east wing of the Capitol Building.
In the House of Delegates, House Joint Resolution No. 612 was presented by Chief Patron Delegate Candi King, a Norfolk State alumna, and former Spartan Legion band member. Norfolk State University alumni delegates also spoke in support of the Spartan Legion, the university, and the resolution. As reasoning for the resolution, the resolution cited the band’s energy, recruiting, proficiency, precision, discipline, devotion, and accolades, as well as other notable characteristics established over the years since its founding in 1975. The resolution commended the band for its performance in the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade. It concluded with the General Assembly’s “admiration for the band’s achievements and best wishes in its future endeavors.”
After the presentation, the students, administrators, and staff made their way to the west wing of the Capitol building for a similar but much more formal presentation by the Virginia Senate.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 283 was presented by Chief Co-Patron Lionell Spruill, Sr., and used the same language as the House version since it was a joint resolution. The Senate copy was signed by Susan Clarke Schaar, Clerk of the Senate. Watch the reading of the resolution at https://youtu.be/uVnXIWnEVuI.
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Afterward, on the floor of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the presiding officer of the Senate, presented a copy of the resolution to Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs DoVeanna S. Fulton, Director of Bands William H. Beathea, Associate Director of Bands Stephanie K. Sanders, and others. Watch the floor presentation at https://youtu.be/AKmnJMkN14o.
Spartans were then treated to lunch in the nearby Truist Bank building before returning to campus.
View photos from the event at https://www.flickr.com/photos/nsu_spartans/albums/72177720305895257.
To see a complete list of the resolution’s patron signees, click the link below.
https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?231+mbr+HJ612