WHEREAS, Nikisha Diehl, principal of Mercer Middle School, was selected as a Loudoun County Public Schools Principal of the Year in 2024; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of West Virginia University and Shenandoah University, Nikisha Diehl has worked for Loudoun County Public Schools for many years, serving as the assistant principal of River Bend Middle School and the dean of Smart's Mill Middle School before joining Mercer Middle School in 2019; and

WHEREAS, as principal of Mercer Middle School, Nikisha Diehl used her collaborative leadership style to promote interdisciplinary growth, promote professional development, and initiate community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Nikisha Diehl has built strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff and united the school community under its five-year core motto "one voice, one purpose, one vision"; and

WHEREAS, the prestigious Principal of the Year Award recognizes outstanding administrators like Nikisha Diehl who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, fostered collaboration and communication, and created an environment in which students and staff can achieve their fullest potential; and

WHEREAS, Nikisha Diehl received the Principal of the Year Award at the Loudoun County School Board meeting on April 23, 2024, and was subsequently honored at the Outstanding Educators Banquet hosted by the Loudoun Education Foundation; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Nikisha Diehl was also selected as the Loudoun County Public Schools nominee for the 2024 Washington Post Principal of the Year Award; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Nikisha Diehl hereby be commended on her selection as a Principal of the Year for Loudoun County Public Schools in 2024; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Nikisha Diehl as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her achievements in service to young people in Loudoun County.