School Board Recognitions

April 18, 2006

6. Student, Employee, and Public Awards and Recognition

6. A. 2006 VHSL State Gymnastics Team Champions
The School Board is very pleased to recognize the 2006 VHSL Gymnastics Team State Champions.

During the state gymnastics competition held on February 17, Kellam High School’s gymnastics team ended a perfect season in the Group AAA team championships at Tallwood High School with a state title. The Kellam Knights finished the season as the Beach District Champions, with a record of 10-0, and as the Eastern Region Champions, in addition, they set a new school and regional record with a score of 154.075. With this state victory, the Kellam High School Gymnastics team won its second state gymnastics team title – the first came in 1994. It is my pleasure to introduce the talented members of this team as they come forward to receive their commendations of distinction:

Caroline B.
Katie B.
Amanda C.
Kendall F.
Team Mascot Madeline F.
Megan H.
Hannah H.
Katie O.
Anastasia S.
Kirsten S.
Sarah T. and
Talia T. -- Senior Talia T. is also an individual state champion. Talia became the State Vaulting Champion with a perfect score of 10 for the third consecutive meet (scoring 10s on both the Beach District and Eastern Region vaults). She is the only high school gymnast that has accomplished this feat. Congratulations, Talia!

The team is coached by Sharon Benzel and Debi Strausbaugh, who will also accept the school’s plaque.

You all bring great honor and distinction to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Well done. Please join me in congratulating the 2006 VHSL State Gymnastics Team Champions from Kellam High School!

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

College Park Elementary , with an attendance rate of 97.25% is the recipient of the elementary school attendance certificate. Accepting the school’s certificate is Principal Shirann Lewis,Assistant Principal Linda Reese, and School Improvement Coordinator Laurel Swenson. Congratulations to the students and staff at College Park Elementary School for their outstanding attendance in March!

Kemps Landing Magnet School , with an attendance rate of 97.77%, receives the attendance certificate, as well as most improved attendance certificate, for middle schools for March. Accepting both certificates for Kemps Landing Magnet is Office Manager Crystal Brooks. Congratulations to the students and staff at Kemps Landing Magnet School for their outstanding student attendance in March!

At the high school level, the attendance certificate for March 2006 goes to Ocean Lakes High School who reported a 94.96% student attendance rate. Accepting the school’s certificate is Mr. Norman Benwitz, assistant principal, and Senior Nino L. who has had perfect attendance for the past three years. Congratulations to Ocean Lakes High students and staff for their outstanding attendance in March!

6.E. Most Improved Attendance – March 2006
The School Board will now recognize the schools with the most improved attendance for the month of March 2006.

A review of attendance data indicates that Trantwood Elementary School had the highest percent of most improved attendance for March with an improvement rate of 2.43% for student attendance. Accepting Trantwood’s attendance certificate is Assistant Principal L. Babette Brinkley. Congratulations to students and staff at Trantwood Elementary for their improved attendance!

We have already presented the most improved attendance certificate for middle schools to Kemps Landing Magnet School.

And, Kellam High School had the highest percent of most improved attendance at the high school level with an improvement rate of 1.84% for student attendance. Accepting Kellam’s certificate is Assistant Principal Dr. Juanita Nicholson. Congratulations to students and staff at Kellam High School for their improved attendance in March 2006!

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