Published: March 17, 2010
Melody Kinser
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The Hanover County School Board was included in the recognitions and accomplishments portion of last week’s regular meeting.
Due to inclement weather, the February meeting was cancelled, but the proclamation of School Board Member Appreciation Month designated by Gov. Bob McDonnell and the Virginia School Boards Association was presented on March 9. In the proclamation, it was noted that the month is observed “to focus attention on the important role these public officials play in the education of the children of Virginia.” This year’s theme is “Celebrating Leadership.”
Serving on the School Board are: John F. Axselle III, chairman, Beaverdam District; Ann F.H. Gladstone, vice chairman, South Anna District; Earl J. Hunter Jr., Henry District; Robert L. Hundley Jr., Chickahominy District; Sue Forbes Watson, Ashland District; Robert L. Wood, Cold Harbor District; and Glenn T. Millican Jr., Mechanicsville District.
Also honored for her service to the School Board was Kate Brown, executive administrative assistant and clerk. The third week of February was designated as VSBA School Board Clerk Appreciation Week.
Recognized for receiving the 2010 Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence and 2010 Board of Education Excellence Award were: Chickahominy Middle School, Cool Spring Elementary School, Kersey Creek Elementary School, Mechanicsville Elementary School, Oak Knoll Middle School, Pearson’s Corner Elementary School, Pole Green Elementary School, Washington-Henry Elementary School, Atlee High School, Battlefield Park Elementary School, Beaverdam Elementary School, Cold Harbor Elementary School, Elmont Elementary School, Rural Point Elementary School, South Anna Elementary School, Hanover High School, John M. Gandy Elementary School and Liberty Middle School.
To quality for the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, schools and school divisions must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and achieve then-Gov. Kaine’s goals for elementary reading; enrollment in Algebra I by grade 8; enrollment in college-level courses; attainment of advance diplomas; increased attainment of career and industry certifications; and participation, if eligible, in the Virginia Preschool Initiative.
The Board of Education Excellence Award, the second-tier honor in the VIP program, is presented to schools and divisions that have met all state and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and have made significant process toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities by then-Gov. Kaine and the board.
Earning the Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award were three county schools that met all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and are making progress toward the goals of the governor and the board.
With March 8-12 being celebrated as Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week by proclamation of Gov. McDonnell, the School Board recognized school principals “for their diligent work and educational leadership.”
From administrative honors to athletics, the School Board paid tribute to the following students:
—Gabe LaVey, a junior at Hanover High School, who became the school’s first State Wrestling Champion in the 135-pound weight class. The State AAA Wrestling Tournament was held Feb. 20 in Fairfax.
—Kaitlin Schroeder, a senior at Atlee High School, who won the 200 Meter Freestyle Swimming Championship at the State AAA Swimming Competition held Feb. 19 and 20 in Virginia Beach. she set a new AAA State record with a time of 2 minutes 2.95 seconds.
—Lizzie Powell, a senior at Patrick Henry High School, who won the Girls Indoor Pole Vault Championship at the Virginia AAA State Indoor Track Meet held Feb. 26 and 27 in Hampton. She set the state indoor pole vault record with a jump of 12 feet 7 inches.
—Tony Green, a junior at Patrick Henry High School, who won the Boys Triple Jump State Championship at the Virginia AAA State Indoor Track Meet held Feb. 26 and 27 in Hampton. His winning jump was 47 feet 2 1/2 inches.
—Montasia Golden, a junior at Lee-Davis High School, won the Girls Triple Jump State Championship at the Virginia AAA State Indoor Track Meet held Feb. 26 and 27 in Hampton. Her winning jump was 40 feet 4 3/4 inches.
—Atlee High School Boys—Marques Atkinson, a junior; Shaowie Tu, a senior; Wes Steenburgh, a senior; and Michael Atkinson, a junior—placed first in the Boys 3200 Meter Relay at the Virginia AAA State Indoor Track Meet held Feb. 26 and 27 in Hampton.
Jason Meade, the head football coach at Lee-Davis High School, was honored by the School Board for being selected as one of seven national recipients of the “Spirit of Sport Award,” which is given by the National Federation of State High School Associations. He was nominated based on the character education program he has implemented as part of the football program at Lee-Davis. He will be recognized and receive the award from the Virginia High School League. According to Dr. Jamelle S. Wilson, assistant superintendent for instructional leadership in Hanover County Public Schools, Meade and his staff present weekly character education lessons and discussions led by coaches and involving all players. He also instituted a program for academic success. Students must attend three study halls per week run by coaches after practices.
