Johnny S. Joannou, 32°, K.C.C.H.
Member Commonwealth of Virginia House of Delegates
709 Court Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704

The Valley of Portsmouth, Virginia, is commended for its community service by a member of the state legislature.

The purpose of this article is to recognize the Portsmouth Scottish Rite's hard work and dedication in improving the quality of life for all citizens of our Valley. On March 29, 2000, for instance, the Portsmouth, Virginia, Scottish Rite hosted the annual Portsmouth Teacher of the Year Award Program. This year's event attracted approximately 300 community members, among them many state and local dignitaries. The ceremony included dinner, recognition of each of the nominees, and the presentation of the Teacher of the Year Award. Ill. Thomas F. May, 33°, Personal Representative in Portsmouth, and Bro. Franklin Edmondson, 32°, Co-Chairman, Committee on Education and Americanism, presented the Teacher of the Year Award, with a commending certificate and a check in the amount of $500 from the Portsmouth Scottish Rite, to Sharon Garnett.

The Teacher of the Year program is one of many events the Valley hosts each year. Among them are similar ceremonies for the Police Officer of the Year, Fire Fighter of the Year, Emergency Medical Technician of the Year, and the distinguished Service to Youth Award.

The Valley also contributes its Scottish Rite Masonic Center for Red Cross Blood Drives, and it is used as a voting precinct for all local, state, and federal elections. The Valley has contributed the building for local and state public hearings, Boy and Girl Scout events, Women's Club events, church dinners, weddings, and other civic or social activities.

Additionally, the Valley gives an annual monetary contribution to the Children's Language Disorder Clinic at Old Dominion University. In partnership with the Valleys of Norfolk and Newport News, the Scottish Rite fully funds the clinic's summer program enabling participants to continue their therapy during summer vacation. The contribution is given in the form of fellowships for clinicians as well as monetary support for the program. The Valleys raise the money through ticket sales for dinners, garage sales, and assessment of the membership.

  On March 29, 2000, Ill. Thomas F. May, 33°, Personal Representative in Portsmouth, and Bro. Franklin Edmondson, 32°, Co-Chairman, Committee on Americanism and Education, presented the Teacher of the Year Award, with a commending certificate and a check in the amount of $500 from the Portsmouth Scottish Rite, to Sharon Garnett. 

It is indeed an honor and pleasure to commend the Portsmouth Scottish Rite for its high standards and dedication to community service. Portsmouth is truly a Valley that espouses the essence of Freemasonry.

Johnny Savas Joannou
is an Attorney at Law with the law firm of Joannou, Knowles & Associates, P.C., in Portsmouth, Virginia. A graduate of the T. C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond, he is a member of the Virginia State Bar, Portsmouth Democratic Committee, Portsmouth–Norfolk Bar Assn., Virginia Trial Lawyers Assn., and American Trial Lawyers Assn. His notable public service includes: Southeastern Board of Virginia Safety Action Program (1991–present); Chairman, Virginia Advisory Council for Adult Education and Literacy (1992–94); State Board of Community Colleges (1992–96); Virginia State Senate (1984–91); Virginia House of Delegates (1976–83 and 1998–present). In Freemasonry, Bro. Joannou was raised on June 27, 1970, in Portsmouth Naval Lodge No. 100 and has been a member of the Portsmouth Scottish Rite Bodies since November 21, 1970, being invested with the K.C.C.H. on October 30, 1999. He is also a member of Khedive Shrine Temple.