Schools

Herndon High Honored in Richmond

HHS students get to experience the Capitol and meet with Gov. Bob McDonnell

A group of Herndon High School students were able to see how government works first hand when they traveled to Richmond on Feb. 1 for a Center Aisle Ceremony honoring the school’s 100th anniversary.

HHS senior Amanda Bostwick said the group was able to walk around the Capitol, visit the Patrick Henry Building, and meet with the governor. She said students were able to ask Gov. Bob McDonnell questions during their visit.

Senior Jeff Sinclair's mother, who works for Del. Tom Rust (R-86), helped arrange the event, said teacher Doug Graney. The resolution to honor Herndon High was patroned by Del. Rust and Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34).

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Sinclair said in addition to meeting the governor, some of the students were able to go down to the floor of the House of Delegates with delegates Rust and Comstock when House Joint Resolution 528 was passed. Also in attendance were Sen. Janet Howell (D-32) and Del. Ken Plum (D-36), he said.

Sinclair said he was struck by how quickly and articulately the governor was able to answer questions and how he expressed himself.

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Bostwick said she was surprised at how openly he answered questions. “It was all really fun and interesting,” she said.

HHS Senior Alex Queen-Huffman said they asked Gov. McDonnell about limiting the availability of high capacity magazine clips, how he thought the Supreme Court would rule on challenges to the health care law, and what he thought of Virginia’s gubernatorial term limits.

Sinclair said he assumed when HHS received the honor at the House of Delegates a polite applause would follow but was surprised when the room burst out in supportive and excited cheers.

“It was cool to just be able to talk to people and interact,” Sinclair said, of getting his close-up look at Virginia’s government. He said it was a great opportunity to learn about state-level politics.

Graney said often people pay attention to national politics or very local politics, but forget about what happens when it comes to state politics.

Queen-Huffman said she really enjoyed the tours of the historical buildings in Richmond. She said there is a lot of Jeffersonian influence in the buildings in Richmond and the Capitol in general. She said she also really enjoyed meeting the governor and presenting a Herndon High School shirt to him.

Sinclair said it was interesting to learn about the statue of George Washington, in which an artist made a mold of Washington’s face to make sure it would be an accurate representation of the United States’ first president. It was also cool to watch Virginia’s state government in action, he said.

Bostwick said going down to receive the plaque on the floor of the House of Delegates was memorable for her. She said it was cool to be on the floor with the representatives they were able to meet.

Graney said it was very nice for Del. Rust to work to arrange to honor Herndon High School’s 100th anniversary, and for Gov. McDonnell to take time to meet with the students, take photos with them and answer questions. He said he was also thankful that Carol Sinclair from Del. Rust’s office was able to arrange for the trip.  

 

House Joint Resolution No. 528

Offered January 12, 2011
Prefiled December 2, 2010
Commending Herndon High School on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Patrons -- Rust and Comstock

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WHEREAS, in 2011 Herndon High School of the Fairfax County Public Schools celebrates its 100th anniversary of providing quality education to the students of Herndon, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Herndon High School began construction in 1911 with its first student, Lottie Dyer Schneider, graduating in 1919; and

WHEREAS, Herndon High School became part of the Fairfax County School system in 1932; and

WHEREAS, Herndon High School was the first accredited high school in Fairfax County; and

WHEREAS, Herndon High School established the first cafeteria in Fairfax County; and

WHEREAS, in 1984 Herndon High School established the first Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program in Fairfax County; and

WHEREAS, Herndon High School?s mission is to fulfill the needs of a diverse student body, maintain high expectations and accountability, provide quality instruction, promote ethical values, and prepare students for the challenges of good citizenship and leadership; and

WHEREAS, Herndon High School?s vision is to be an institution that with commitment, respect, responsibility, and integrity, empowers students to become lifelong learners and productive citizens of the global community; and

WHEREAS, throughout the school?s 100-year history, the dedicated administration, teachers, staff, and coaches of Herndon High School have been committed to providing the highest quality education possible; and

WHEREAS, Herndon High School serves one of the most widely diverse student bodies in the Commonwealth with students from more than 79 countries who speak more than 53 different languages in their homes; an

WHEREAS, Herndon High School alumni have gone on to play professional basketball, have professional music and acting careers, and serve in the House of Delegates, as well as Mayor and Town Counsel of the Town of Herndon; and

WHEREAS, for 100 years, Herndon High School has served as a secure and nurturing environment for its students to excel academically and personally and prepare for lifelong, productive participation in a democratic society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Herndon High School on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William Bates, principal of Herndon High School, as an expression of the General Assembly?s gratitude to the high school for its commitment to the young people of Fairfax County and best wishes for a joyful 100th anniversary celebration.


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