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This, the fifth day of September 2013. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve a <br /> proclamation recognizing the UNC Women's Lacrosse Team for winning the 2013 NCAA Division I <br /> Women's Lacrosse National Championship and authorize the Chair to sign. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> b. Resolution Commending the Northern Orange Education Task Force, Its Founders and the <br /> Sankofa Award Recipients <br /> The Board considered a resolution commending the Northern Orange Education Task Force, its <br /> founders and the Sankofa Award recipients and authorized the Chair to sign. <br /> Mr. Keith Cook and representatives from the Northern Orange Education Task Force were present, <br /> and gave information on the history and significance of the name. A Sankofa is an African bird that bends <br /> his head backwards while flying. This posture is necessary to help fetch and bring someone along. <br /> Task force members, Kenneth Woods, Lawrence Saunders, Anna Kenyon, and Denita Thompson <br /> were introduced. <br /> Mr. Cook thanked Commissioner Price for coming to the ceremony and he noted that this is a labor <br /> of love. He said he has attended many graduation ceremonies over the years and saw a minimal number <br /> of minorities represented, which led to the creation of this group. He said it created its own criteria of a <br /> minimum 3.0 grade point average requirement to be recognized. He said 125-200 students are <br /> recognized every year. He thanked the Board for their support. <br /> Commissioner Price read the resolution: <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE NORTHERN ORANGE EDUCATION TASK FORCE, ITS FOUNDERS <br /> AND THE SANKOFA AWARD RECIPIENTS <br /> Whereas, in 2007, concerned members of the Orange County community convened and established the <br /> Northern Orange Education Task Force, inclusive of the Sankofa Award Committee, under the guidance of <br /> Mr. Keith Cook and in partnership with Orange County Schools; and <br /> Whereas, the mission of the Northern Orange Education Task Force is "to collaborate with Orange County <br /> Schools, parents, families and the Northern Orange community in promoting a sound basic education for <br /> all Orange County Schools students in a healthy, safe and supportive environment while addressing the <br /> needs of minority students"; and <br /> Whereas, the vision of the Northern Orange Education Task Force is "to serve as an advocate for <br /> Northern Orange parents and actively involve the community as a catalyst for change in building <br /> understanding and support for all students," and "to ensure accountability and equity in a healthy, safe and <br /> supportive environment"; and <br /> Whereas, since 2008, a total of 1,356 students have satisfied the requirement to receive the Sankofa <br /> Award, having achieved and maintained a 3.0 or higher grade average throughout the school year; and <br /> Whereas, the 6th Annual Minority Student Academic Achievement Awards Program was held in June <br /> 2013, whereupon 253 high school students were honored with Sankofa Awards; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, on <br /> behalf of the Orange County community, commends the members of the Northern Orange Education Task <br /> Force, Mr. Keith Cook and Orange County Schools for their commitment to closing the academic <br /> achievement gap among minority students, and to promoting self confidence within minority students; and <br />