School Board Recognitions

March 21, 2006

6. Student, Employee, and Public Awards and Recognition

6. A. 2006 VHSL State Individual Gymnastics Champions

The School Board is pleased to recognize the 2006 VHSL State Individual Gymnastics Champions.

During the state gymnastics competition held February 18, 2006 at Tallwood High School, Kara W., a senior at First Colonial High School, became the state all-around gymnastics champion for the fourth year in a row! In addition, Kara placed first in the state as an individual champion in both the uneven parallel bar and floor exercises. Kara finished her high school career with a 46 and 3 record in all-around competition. Kara is coached by Gina Jackson. Congratulations to Kara W. on her outstanding accomplishments!

Leslie D., a junior at Salem High School , earned first-place in balance beam at the state competition. Leslie finished this season with four 3 rd-place, eight 2 nd place and thirty-seven 1 st place ribbons. She broke the all-around record and the vault record at this year’s Winterfest Invitational as well. Leslie is coached by Wendy Cauthen and Ron McCall.
Please join me in congratulating Leslie D. on her outstanding accomplishments!

6.B. 2006 VHSL State Individual Swim Champion

The School Board is proud to recognize the 2006 VHSL State Individual Swim Champion.

During the state swim and dive competition held February 18, 2006 at George Mason University, Rebecca J., a freshman at First Colonial High School, won the state AAA 200-yard freestyle championship and set a new state record in the event with a time of 1:50.18!! Becca is coached by Kim McCanna.
Please join me in congratulating Rebecca J. on her outstanding accomplishment!

6.C. 2006 VHSL State Individual Wrestling Champions

The School Board is now pleased to recognize the 2006 VHSL State Wrestling Champions.

During the state wrestling championships held at Robinson High School in Fairfax, VA on February 24 th -25 th. . Virginia Beach City Public School athletes won several first place honors.

Collin D., a Cox High School junior , is a three time Beach District, Eastern Region, and AAA State Champion! This year Collin placed first in the 125 lb. weight class to earn the state title. His career record is 131 and 7, and his season record is 40 and 2. Collin is the 4 th ranked junior in the nation, and is ranked 16 th in the country --overall . Please join me in congratulating Collin D. on his outstanding accomplishments!

Walker F., a senior athlete at Cox High School, is also a three time Beach District, Eastern Region, and AAA State Champion—this year he placed first in the state at the 119 lb. weight class. His career record is 129 and 15, and his season record is 42 and 3. He is ranked 14 th in the country overall. The Cox High School wrestlers are coached by Corey Williams. Congratulations to W.!

Phillip R., a senior at Kempsville High School, placed first at the 145 lb. weight class. Phillip completed this season with a 47 and 2 record, and has a career record of 98 and 13 at Kempsville High. Phillip plans on continuing his wrestling career in college. Well Done, Phillip R.! Congratulations!

During the 2005 season, Brian W., a Kempsville High School senior, was the 2005 State Wrestling Champion at 103 pounds. Brian also won the 2005 “Junior” National Championship at 103 pounds at the national event in Cleveland, Ohio. Brian finished his Kempsville High School wrestling career with a record of 151 and 26. He will be competing at the Senior National Championships later this year and plans on wrestling in college. The Kempsville High School wrestlers are coached by Rob Barlow.
Congratulations to Brian W.!

6. D. Outstanding Attendance – February 2006

The School Board is now pleased to recognize the schools with the highest rates of student attendance for the month of February 2006. Representatives from these schools are invited to come forward as their school’s name is announced.

Old Donation Center, with an attendance rate of 97.27% is the recipient of the elementary school attendance certificate. Accepting the school’s certificate is ­­Assistant Principal Constance James. Congratulations to the students and staff at Old Donation Center for their outstanding attendance in February!

Kemps Landing Magnet School, with an attendance rate of 96.52%, receives the attendance certificate for middle schools for February. Accepting the certificate for Kemps Landing Magnet is Teacher and SCA sponsor Chris Nixon, and SCA Executive Council Member Alex Lichtenstein, Congratulations to the students and staff at Kemps Landing Magnet School for their outstanding student attendance!

At the high school level, the attendance certificate for February 2006 goes to Ocean Lakes High School who reported a 94.64% student attendance rate. Accepting the school’s certificate is Assistant Principal Norman Benwitz and Amanda E., a senior who has had perfect attendance for her entire high school career. Congratulations to Ocean Lakes High students and staff for their outstanding attendance in February!

6.E. Most Improved Attendance – February 2006

The School Board will now recognize the schools with the most improved attendance for the month of February 2006.

A review of attendance data indicates that Brookwood Elementary Schoolhad the highest percent of most improved attendance for February with an improvement rate of 1.51% for student attendance. Accepting Brookwood’s attendance certificate is Principal Benjamin Gillikin. Congratulations to students and staff at Brookwood Elementary for their improved attendance!

Plaza Middle School had the highest percent of most improved attendance at the middle school level with an improvement rate of 0.71% for student attendance. Accepting Plaza Middle’s certificate are Assistant Principals Charles Tate and Dr. James Smith. Congratulations to Plaza Middle School!

Virginia Beach Central Academy had the highest percent of most improved attendance at the high school level with an improvement rate of 0.39% for student attendance. Accepting Central Academy’s certificate is Principal Michael Bolton. Congratulations to students and staff at Virginia Beach Central Academy for their improved attendance in February 2006!

Mr. Chairman, that concludes our recognitions for this evening.