Maryland House honors Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, recognizes educator and fraternity

The Maryland House of Delegates on Monday evening presented a series of ceremonial resolutions, honoring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, recognizing educator Cara Ball for a national award and applauding the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s annual legislative night in Annapolis.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who was introduced earlier in the session, accepted the House’s resolution and thanked members for the honor, reflecting on her family’s ties to Maryland and a long career in public service. "It is such an honor to receive this from the Maryland House of Delegates," Pelosi said, noting her father Thomas D'Alessandro Jr.'s earlier service in the state legislature and expressing appreciation for the chamber's history and civic traditions.

A delegate introduced a resolution recognizing Cara Ball as a recipient of the Bezos Courage and Civility Award and noted that Ball had directed $5,000,000 to understood.org, a nonprofit supporting students and families navigating learning differences. The clerk read the formal resolution commending Ball’s leadership in STEM and inclusive education.

The House also adopted a resolution saluting Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated on the occasion of its annual legislative night, listing its signature initiatives and the fraternity’s Mid-Atlantic presence. Members rose to recognize visiting students, pages and members of the Maryland National Guard who were in the gallery for separate acknowledgements.

The presentations and recognitions took place early in the evening’s session before members turned to committee reports and budget business. The session’s ceremonial items included tributes for educators, veterans and community leaders and several members used their time to welcome students and guests from across the state to the chamber.

The House recessed its ceremonial business to proceed with remaining legislative work for the week.