WHEREAS, Claudia McDowell, an outstanding social worker at Lynbrook Elementary School in Springfield, was selected as the National School Social Worker of the Year by the School Social Work Association of America in 2022; and

WHEREAS, a native of Fairfax County, Claudia McDowell learned the importance of education and a commitment to community service from her parents, who immigrated to the area from Peru and Cuba; and

WHEREAS, Claudia McDowell has worked at Lynbrook Elementary School for 10 years and has helped the school fulfill its mission to provide a full continuum of educational services and support the academic, social, and emotional growth of students in a safe, nurturing environment; and

WHEREAS, as a Title I school, Lynbrook Elementary School's student body experiences high levels of poverty, and Claudia McDowell has gone above and beyond to help students and their families address immediate needs for food, clothing, stable housing, and health care; and

WHEREAS, in addition to providing a safe haven for students during the school day, Claudia McDowell often delivers supplies and gift cards to students' homes after hours, and as part of a local medical screening committee, she has helped students in need schedule appointments for treatment; and

WHEREAS, as a member of Lynbrook Elementary School's attendance program, Claudia McDowell helps build engagement, accountability, and a sense of belonging among students that has helped reduce chronic absenteeism; and

WHEREAS, after a fire at a local apartment complex, Claudia McDowell launched a crisis team with fellow teachers and staff members, in coordination with the Red Cross and Fairfax County officials, to assist students and their families displaced by the disaster; and

WHEREAS, Claudia McDowell is a trusted mentor and friend to her colleagues, and she was nominated by her peers for the National School Social Worker of the Year Award in recognition of her positive impact on the lives of students, their families, and members of the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Claudia McDowell hereby be commended on her selection as the 2022 National School Social Worker of the Year; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Claudia McDowell as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her achievements in service to students and their families in Springfield.