AL HJR245

Commends Mr. Desmond Allen Gillespie upon his retirement after a five-decade career as a choral director in Birmingham City Schools, Jefferson County Schools, and Trussville City Schools from 1973-2024.

Built the Huffman High School choral program from 1976-1996 to include four choirs with 270 students participating by 1996.

Established the inaugural choral program at Clay-Chalkville High School in 1996 and taught at Hewitt-Trussville High School for 15 years, during which the district was selected six times for Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation.

Served as President of the Alabama Choral Directors Association and Alabama Vocal Association, directing choirs to superior ratings at AVA and national competitions, and named Trussville Tribune Person of the Year in 2023.

Directs copies of the resolution be presented to Mr. Allen Gillespie and Hewitt-Trussville High School as recognition of his contributions to Alabama's schools and communities.