Bill Text: VA HJR292 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia House Joint Resolution 292 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Commending Bruce Biehl.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 4-0)

Status: (Passed) 2016-02-25 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ292ER) [HJR292 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2016-HJR292-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 292 Commending Bruce Biehl.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 19, 2016 Agreed to by the Senate, February 25, 2016

WHEREAS, Bruce Biehl, who has admirably served as principal of Floyd E. Kellam High School in Virginia Beach for 20 years and is highly esteemed by students, staff, and parents for his dedication and inspiring leadership, retires in June 2016; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Biehl has worked for Virginia Beach City Public Schools since 1974 and is one of the school system's longest-tenured employees; his deep commitment to the students and staff at Kellam High School has far surpassed his call to duty; and

WHEREAS, one of Bruce Biehl's signature accomplishments as principal of Kellam High School was supervising the construction of a new school on West Neck Road and the move to the new campus in early 2014; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Biehl is proud that the new Kellam High School was designed to meet the changing educational needs of the 21st century; it features six integrated learning communities that foster a collaborative approach to education, an 800-seat auditorium, and a 145-seat black box theater; and

WHEREAS, well-regarded for his caring and honest approach with students, colleagues, and parents, Bruce Biehl has successfully brought together a diverse group of students during their high school years and has helped mold the minds of generations of students; and

WHEREAS, during an outstanding career at Kellam High School, Bruce Biehl has been a well-loved principal who pitches in and shows his support throughout the school; he readily helps custodial staff wipe down tables and attends most of the school's athletic events and theatrical productions; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Biehl is also known for his sense of humor and his infectious laugh; his two-decade tenure at the helm of Kellam High School makes him the longest-serving principal in Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, the entire staff responded to Bruce Biehl's faculty meeting announcement of his plans to retire with an impromptu standing ovation and cheer of support and appreciation for his many years of tireless work on behalf of Kellam High School; and

WHEREAS, at almost every Kellam High School graduation ceremony, the graduates and audience also loudly cheer Bruce Biehl's name in appreciation of his work and service to the school; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Bruce Biehl for his outstanding work as principal of Floyd E. Kellam High School in Virginia Beach for 20 years; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bruce Biehl as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and admiration for his tireless devotion to the students, staff, and families of Floyd E. Kellam High School and best wishes in retirement.