Brian Recognized as "Star of the South"
Brian will receive Irish American magazine’s “Star of the South” award on October 18 in Atlanta, Georgia. The “Star of the South” award is given annually to southerners of Irish and Scotch Irish heritage who exemplify the values of hard work, responsibility and community service that have made Irish Americans prosperous members of the American family.
“I am honored to receive this award from Irish- and Scotch-Irish-American leaders across our region,” Brian said. “My grandparents came to America from Ireland with nothing more than a single suitcase - only to face signs that said ‘Irish Need Not Apply.’ They broke down barriers to ensure a better life for the next generation and generations after that. They taught me the importance of our shared commitment to opportunity for all.”
Brian was particularly recognized for championing Alicia’s Law, which cracks down on Internet child sexual predators. Alicia’s Law is named after Alicia Kozakiewicz, who was abducted by an online predator and held in his Herndon basement until rescued by the Northern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This initiative doubles the capacity of these officers to arrest and prosecute child sexual predators.
