Bill Text: VA HR331 | 2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Melissa D. Hensley.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2017-01-27 - Agreed to by House by voice vote [HR331 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-HR331-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, Melissa D. Hensley, principal of Central High School in Woodstock, was honored as the 2016 Outstanding High School Principal of the Year by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hensley received further recognition when she was selected as one of three national finalists for the Principal of the Year award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hensley received a bachelor's degree from Eastern Mennonite University and master's degrees from James Madison University; and
WHEREAS, since Melissa Hensley began her tenure as principal at Central High School in July 2012, the school has earned significant state and national recognition; and
WHEREAS, in November 2015, Central High School was designated a National Blue Ribbon School for Exemplary Academic Performance, the highest level of recognition from the United States Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, Central High School's music programs, athletic teams, clubs, and co-curricular teams have excelled and earned local, regional, state, and national awards under the leadership of Melissa Hensley; and
WHEREAS, since Melissa Hensley became principal, Central High School has increased the number of dual enrollment class offerings, expanded the use of technology, and added a wide range of new programs to meet students' needs; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hensley has demonstrated an exceptional ability to work with students, parents, faculty, staff, and the greater Woodstock community; she understands the importance of relationships, high expectations, and the development of a collaborative work environment; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hensley has empowered her teachers to lead the "One School, One Goal" school-improvement initiative that includes faculty-led priorities and professional development; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hensley is a regular presence in the hallways and classrooms of Central High School, where she knows most students by name, and she has an open-door policy for parents and students to share their concerns; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hensley is the epitome of a passion-driven leader, she exudes enthusiasm and dedication, and she is admired for being unafraid to take risks and make innovative changes to increase learning opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hensley's recognition as an outstanding principal at the state and national levels gave her a unique platform to speak on behalf of her colleagues and advocate for the needs of schools throughout the Commonwealth and the nation; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hensley has achieved success at Central High School because of the hard work and support of the school's faculty and staff, as well as her colleagues and administrators across Shenandoah County Public Schools; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Melissa D. Hensley, principal of Central High School in Woodstock, hereby be commended on being named the 2016 Outstanding High School Principal of the Year by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Melissa D. Hensley as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her leadership and dedication to providing the best possible education for the students of Shenandoah County and the Commonwealth.
