Rep. Johnson honors local choir director

Floor speech, proclamation recognize Sharp’s 45 years of service:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) honored one of the Fourth District’s most prominent daughters today with a floor speech to recognize Mary Anne Sharp’s 45 years of service as the choir director for the Decatur Civic Chorus in Decatur, Ga.

“Twice a year for nearly 50 years, Ms. Sharp has planned and presented a free major concert to the community,” said Johnson. “Not only has she fostered the spirit of volunteerism in our community, but she has brought together a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and abilities to blend their voices and share their love of music with the public.”

Sharp, an elementary school teacher in Atlanta, lives in Conyers but grew up in Decatur and attended Decatur public schools.

A graduate of Oglethorpe University and Emory University, Sharp and her singers have performed in Wales, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, England, Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, and throughout the United States.

“While we must always focus on the larger issues of the day – such as war and peace, health care policy and other matters of state – we must also take the time to recognize the heroes of our communities. Ms. Sharp deserves our highest praise and is one of our community’s shining lights.”

Congressman Johnson and his staff will also present Ms. Sharp with a proclamation and DVD of the floor speech honoring her service prior to the Decatur Civic Chorus’ Annual Christmas Concert at First Baptist Church of Decatur on Saturday, Dec. 13.