School Board Recognitions

June 5, 2007

6A. 2007 "Picture This… Diversity" Exhibit Participants

                                                                              Diversity Youth Ambassadors
The School Board would like to recognize VBCPS middle and high school students who participated in the "Picture This... Diversity" exhibit. These students are all representatives of the VBCPS Diversity Youth Ambassadors who, you may recall, are students who have attended training and agreed to work to promote diversity and mutual understanding throughout their schools. Their interpretations of diversity are captured in the photographs that they have taken and that are exhibited in the foyer of this building. If you have not yet seen them, take a look as you exit the building —they are excellent. This exhibit is a culminating event capping a year of training and outreach designed to enhance appreciation for diversity among all students.

It is my pleasure to introduce the "Picture This... Diversity" exhibit photographers. Please come forward as your name is announced:

From Bayside High School —
Rachel H.
From First Colonial High School —
Sandy B.
Ebony C.
Josh M.
From Cox High School —
James C.
From Independence Middle School —
India J.
Rachel J.
From Kemps Landing Magnet School —
Alexandra L.
Kendra M.
From Larkspur Middle School —
Nel-Sylvia G.
Chanae J.
From Plaza Middle School —
Habibata A.
From Princess Anne High School —
Steven H.
From Princess Anne Middle School —
Mya M.
From Tallwood High School —
Danielle B.
Maranda H.
David T.
And from the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center —
Leticia S.
Jahmelia W.

We would like to acknowledge that there also are members of the Diversity Task Force in the audience. I am a member of this fine group and have enjoyed being part of the Task Force this year. The Task Force has worked diligently to promote a culturally responsive education for all students. In addition, we have in the audience several members of the Diversity Youth Ambassadors who have devoted their year to serving as ambassadors for diversity in their individual schools. The School Board would like to thank you for your service to our school division and invite the Diversity Ambassadors and Task Force members to stand to be acknowledged for your contributions.

6B. AAA State Debate Tournament Winner

The School Board would like to recognize Mark H. as the first place winner in the Lincoln Douglas Category of the AAA State Debate Tournament. The tournament was held on April 21, 2007 at Liberty University.

Mark, a student at the Legal Studies Academy at First Colonial High School, also participated in the event as part of First Colonial's Debate Team. The team placed 2nd in the VHSL State Tournament which was also held on April 21st. Mark is coached by Legal Studies Academy English teacher James Godfrey.

Congratulations to Mark H. on this outstanding achievement!

6C. Student, Employee, and Public Awards and Recognitions

                                               Future Business Leaders of America State Conference Winner

The School Board is proud to recognize Wynter F. as the first place winner in the Job Interview category of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Conference.

Wynter is a student at Landstown High School. As a participant in this competition, she was required to present a resume and letter of application to a panel of judges who then conducted a "job interview." Her outstanding performance resulted in a first place finish. Wynter is sponsored by Cindy Rinaldi and will now move forward to the national competition which will be held in Chicago in July.

Please join me in congratulating Wynter F. on her outstanding accomplishment!

6D. 2007 Brickell Scholarship Winner
The School Board will now recognize the 2007 Brickell Scholar.

The recipient of the 2007 Brickell scholarship was introduced to our Board last year as a member of the 2006-2007 class of Brickell Scholars. This student exemplifies what former Superintendent Dr. Edward E. Brickell set forth as a standard for academic excellence in our school system. Each year the Virginia Beach Rotary Club selects one of the Brickell Scholar Nominees, who best represents outstanding scholarly studies and other academic pursuits, to receive a $5,000.00 scholarship.

Ian M., a senior at Princess Anne High School, was chosen to receive this honor for 2007. The Virginia Beach Rotary Club recognized Ian at their scholarship dinner held on May 24. Ian is a student in the International Baccalaureate program at Princess Anne. Early on, he became interested in the human anatomy, especially the heart. In elementary school, this fascination often guided his choices for class projects. He has competed in Scholastic Bowl since middle school, winning all but one match during the regular season. Ian helped Princess Anne's Scholastic Bowl team place among the top 5 in state competition for three out of four years, and has served as team captain for the past two. He has been a semi-finalist in the Battle of the Brains for the last three years, a Battle of the Brains All-Star, and is captain of the Science Bowl team that is currently second in the region. Ian has earned numerous awards in state and local Latin competitions and attended the Governor's Summer Residential Foreign Languages Latin Program last summer. Currently, Ian is the principal cellist in the Princess Anne High School Chamber Orchestra.

Last year, Ian earned an award with Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital for his 200 hours of volunteer service. His volunteer experiences in the hospital included the departments of Emergency, Outpatient Surgery, Endoscopy, Pain Management, Transport, and Volunteer Services. Ian will attend Yale University next year.

Congratulations, Ian!

6E. 2007-2008 Brickell Scholars
The School Board will now recognize the 2007-2008 Brickell Scholars.

These 22 young men and women also represent the characteristics set forth by Dr. Brickell as the standard for academic excellence in our school system.

The School Board extends its appreciation to the Virginia Beach Rotary Club, which serves as the sponsoring agency of the E. E. Brickell Scholarship Program.

It is my pleasure to introduce the 2007-2008 class of Brickell Scholars. Scholars, please come forward as your name is read to accept your Commendation of Distinction from Chairman Edwards and Dr. Merrill.

The 2007-2008 Brickell Scholars are:

From Bayside High School —
Mark G.
Dharah K.
From Cox High School—
Erin C.
Kathryn O.
From First Colonial High School —
Brianna H.
Joanna K.
From Green Run High School —
Marcus L.
Cherie S.
From Kellam High School —
Keri C.
Allison J.
From Kempsville High School —
Elizabeth R.
Megan S.
From Landstown High School —
John L.
Kyle Z.
From Ocean Lakes High School —
Donald G.
Kathryn W.
From Princess Anne High School —
Victoria H.
Sarah W.
From Salem High School —
Martha H.
Folasade O.
From Tallwood High School —
Cynthia B.
Matthew S.

Please join me in congratulating the 2007-2008 class of Brickell Scholars.

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

School Board Recognitions Archives