Flame of Hope Awards + Night for Literacy
I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying this special time of year as we prepare for the holidays. It’s been a busy but fulfilling week for Dayle and me in Atlanta, getting ready for the New Year and the quickly approaching 2026 Legislative Session.
Augusta University Convocation
Last week, I was honored to deliver the convocation address to Augusta University’s Undergraduate Class of 2025. I shared several pieces of advice that I have learned throughout my time in public service, but most importantly, I conveyed to them the significance of being a good neighbor.
“The most meaningful moments of your life won’t be personal accomplishments, big paychecks, or other accolades. They’ll be the moments that you used your time and talents to lift up your fellow man. Our communities, our state, and our nation are better places when we step up and do what Georgians do best – give a helping hand to our neighbors in need.”
Each one of the over 690 students who participated in the graduation ceremony represents the future of our great state, and I wish each of them the best as they begin an exciting new chapter in their lives.
Delivering the convocation address to Augusta University’s Undergraduate Class of 2025
Pictured with Karen Keen and Augusta University President Russell Keen at last week’s convocation ceremony
Night for Literacy at the Capitol
Literacy is the foundation of our children’s success. That’s why Dayle and I were proud to host the first annual Night for Literacy at the Capitol, where over 300 friends, supporters, and advocates gathered to support teachers across the state who are championing literacy and making a difference in the lives of Georgia’s students.
We were humbled by the generosity of those in attendance and are proud to announce that this event raised over $80,000 for the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.
This is just one way in which the House is advocating for quality education and literacy initiatives, and we look forward to ensuring every child has an opportunity to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Dayle and I with Georgia Literacy Coach Malcolm Mitchell, Senator Billy and Jo Ann Hickman, Gerald and Andri Pilgrim, and Representative Chris and Laurie Erwin at the first annual Night for Literacy at the Capitol
Flame of Hope Awards
Each year, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities recognizes outstanding community members who are dedicated to advancing equity and dignity for individuals with developmental and mental health disabilities at the annual Flame of Hope Awards Ceremony.
I was proud to join them in honoring the memory of the late Speaker David Ralston by recognizing this year’s recipient of the Speaker’s Choice Award—former Representative Penny Houston.
Penny Houston dedicated her career to increasing access to services for Georgians with disabilities—particularly those in rural communities. Her advocacy was instrumental in securing dental benefits for individuals with disabilities in Georgia’s Medicaid budget, which has made a transformative and lasting impact on countless lives throughout Georgia.
Despite no longer serving at the State Capitol, she remains a steadfast advocate for underserved communities, working to make the lives of her neighbors a little easier every step of the way.
Pictured with Representative Jaclyn Ford and former Representative Penny Houston
It was an honor to have our neighbors from Effingham, Ella Marchese and her father, Joe, join us at the Capitol for the 2025 Flame of Hope Awards Ceremony
As we enter the holiday season, I hope we all pause to reflect on what truly matters most—our families, our friends, and our loved ones, but above all, our Savior, who came to live a perfect life and save us from our sins.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
God Bless,
Speaker Jon Burns