WHEREAS, for 10 years, the nonprofit organization Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands has removed barriers to learning and provided vital support to ensure that students stay in school and achieve success in their academic careers; and

WHEREAS, founded in 2013, Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands originally served one school in Bristol Virginia Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, driven by the needs and support of the local residents, Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands expanded to 64 public schools across 11 school divisions in the City of Norton and the counties of Dickenson, Russell, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise, along with the City of Bristol, Carter County, and Hancock County in Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, a total of more than 88,000 students have benefited from the programs offered by Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands over the course of its history; and

WHEREAS, during the 2023–2024 academic year, Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands has served more than 23,000 students, with 2,900 students receiving individualized support; and

WHEREAS, by placing student support coordinators inside partner schools, Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands has built strong, personal relationships with young people and empowered them to achieve their fullest potential both in and out of the classroom; and

WHEREAS, Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands has fulfilled its mission through the hard work and dedication of dozens of staff members, the leadership and guidance of its board of directors, and generous support from community partners; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands on the occasion of its 10th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Communities in Schools of Appalachian Highlands as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's critical mission and legacy of contributions to young people.