WHEREAS, the Mountain Mission School of Grundy, which has tended to the physical, educational, and spiritual needs of thousands of children since its founding, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Mountain Mission School was established as the Grundy Academy on April 22, 1921, by Sam Hurley, a local businessman and member of Disciples of Christ who envisioned a school that would care for the vulnerable children of Appalachia; and

WHEREAS, in the early days of the Mountain Mission School, children could pay for their education by working on the school's farm, which provided food for the students; and

WHEREAS, while the growth of the local public school system reduced the need for institutions like the Mountain Mission School, the school's reputation and outreach helped draw students from beyond Appalachia; and

WHEREAS, over the past century, Mountain Mission School educators have taught more than 20,000 students from more than 80 different countries; and

WHEREAS, of the 17 mission schools in Appalachia when it was founded, the Mountain Mission School is the only one in the region still operational to this day; and

WHEREAS, through fulfillment of its mission to meet the emotional, physical, educational, and spiritual needs of its students, the Mountain Mission School has enabled thousands of young people to go on to college, trade school, or military service and to achieve success beyond the classroom; and

WHEREAS, the accomplishments of the Mountain Mission School over the years are the result of the wisdom of its founders and the steadfast dedication of its myriad leaders, educators, and staff; and

WHEREAS, by providing a safe haven in which at-risk youth could receive the support they needed to thrive, the Mountain Mission School has exemplified the values and ideals that citizens of the Commonwealth hold most dear; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Mountain Mission School on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Chris Mitchell, president of the Mountain Mission School, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the school's contributions to the Commonwealth.