Bill > HJR1209

This resolution, a concurrent resolution passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate of the 114th General Assembly of Tennessee, formally honors and recognizes Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership, or PENCIL, a Nashville-based nonprofit organization. PENCIL has dedicated 44 years to supporting Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) by connecting them with community resources, private industry, and city officials to meet the needs of over 79,000 students and educators. The resolution highlights PENCIL's significant contributions, including its DG PENCIL Box for free school supplies, its STEAM Lending Library, its Accelerating Scholars tutoring program, and its success in securing over $5.93 million in community investment for MNPS schools between 2024 and 2025, which encompassed nearly $3 million in free resources for educators, over 33,000 volunteer hours, and more than $1 million in grants. The resolution specifically acknowledges a recent anonymous donation of over two million pencils and praises the leadership of PENCIL's President and CEO, Christiane Buggs, for guiding the organization to new heights, ultimately wishing PENCIL and its partners continued success in their endeavors to ensure equitable access to education and resources for all students.

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HJR1209&ga=114