WHEREAS, Salem Middle School, a public middle school in Virginia Beach, has provided a safe, supportive learning environment to local students for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, established as a junior high school in 1988, Salem Middle School was reorganized in 1993 and currently serves students in grades six through eight; and

WHEREAS, located on Lynnhaven Parkway, Salem Middle School has completed numerous renovation projects over the years to better serve its students; and

WHEREAS, Salem Middle School cultivates strong relationships with parents and community partners to provide a high-quality education while giving students the tools they need to become good citizens of the Commonwealth and meet the unique challenges of a global society; and

WHEREAS, Salem Middle School is fully accredited and, in addition to its rigorous academic program, offers its students a wide variety of co-curricular activities and other unique educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Salem Middle School is a recipient of the Pearl School Award for Excellence in Environmental Education and the Blue Ribbon Award for District II Superior Ratings in Band, Orchestra, and Chorus; the school has also been recognized as an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction; and

WHEREAS, the hardworking faculty and staff members of Salem Middle School have helped the school fulfill its motto, "Shaping Tomorrow's Future," by giving all students the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Salem Middle School hereby be commended for its service to the young people of Virginia Beach on the occasion of its 30th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Salem Middle School as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the school's commitment to academic excellence.