WHEREAS, Mount Vernon High School, the third oldest and continuously operated high school in Fairfax County, proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2014; and

WHEREAS, originally located on land once owned by George Washington, Mount Vernon High School opened its doors in 1939, welcoming 447 students and 15 teachers; and

WHEREAS, in 1973, Mount Vernon High School relocated to the former Walt Whitman Middle School building, approximately one mile from George Washington's home; and

WHEREAS, though Mount Vernon High School was segregated for its first two decades, today, the school proudly serves students from 50 different countries and many diverse backgrounds, ensuring a multicultural education for all students; and

WHEREAS, with the inclusion of the International Baccalaureate Program in 1994, Mount Vernon High School now has approximately 200 students taking over 400 advanced-level exams each year; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, Mount Vernon High School underwent a significant renovation that included new science classrooms, multiple computer labs, and a field house with seating for 3,400; with the additional space, enrollment today has expanded to 1,900 students and 167 teachers; and

WHEREAS, through a rigorous course of study in an encouraging and supportive learning environment, Mount Vernon High School students work to build positive relationships, demonstrate good character, and achieve academic excellence; they are lifelong learners and contributors to a global society who are prepared for the future; and

WHEREAS, utilizing the skills and knowledge gained from their experience at Mount Vernon High School, graduates have gone on to become television personalities, actresses, professional athletes and musicians, successful businessmen and women, a United States Senator and Governor of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, for 75 years, Mount Vernon High School has provided an outstanding educational experience for its students through the devoted leadership of the principals, the support staff, and the teachers; and

WHEREAS, an asset to its students and their families, Mount Vernon High School serves as a pillar and resource to the entire community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Mount Vernon High School on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Nardos King, principal of Mount Vernon High School, as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and admiration for its decades of service to the children of Fairfax County.