WHEREAS, over the course of her 34-year career in education, Bettie Jo Carroll has become the winningest coach in Galax High School history as the head coach of the school's theatre troupe and former coach of the forensics team; and

WHEREAS, a native of Rocky Mount, Bettie Jo "B. J." Carroll graduated from East Carolina University, where she majored in speech and drama and minored in psychology, gaining a unique skillset that has helped her analyze characters on a deep level and manage the diverse personalities of her actors; and

WHEREAS, since 1985, B. J. Carroll has led the Galax High School theatre program to six state championship victories, three state runner-up finishes, and five third-place finishes, as well as 13 regional titles and 21 district and conference titles; and

WHEREAS, B. J. Carroll also led the Galax High School forensics team to two state third-place finishes and helped produce nine individual champions, including Brandon Farmer, a Virginia High School League record holder with four individual championships in four categories; and

WHEREAS, B. J. Carroll's choice of works with complex, thought-provoking themes and attention to detail and authenticity has helped the Galax High School theatre program distinguish itself from the competition year after year; and

WHEREAS, B. J. Carroll has inspired countless students to achieve greatness in and out of the classroom; many of her former students have gone on to become writers, actors, educators, or journalists; and

WHEREAS, B. J. Carroll has earned numerous awards and accolades for her leadership and passion for theatre, including Forensics and Theatre Coach of the Year awards from the Virginia Association of Speech, Debate and Drama Coaches and the Outstanding Speech, Debate and Theatre Educator award from the National Federation of State High School Associations; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her incredible achievements, B. J. Carroll was inducted into the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame with the Class of 2016; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Bettie Jo Carroll hereby be commended for her exceptional contributions to Galax High School students as an educator and a theatre and forensics coach; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bettie Jo Carroll as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her passion for the arts and dedication to her students.