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2006 SESSION

063860382
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 204
Offered January 19, 2006
Commending the students and faculty of Expedition Chesapeake from Turner Ashby High School, along with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the National Future Farmers of America Organization, for completing a month-long, 355-mile canoe and kayak journey from the headwaters of the Shenandoah River to the Chesapeake Bay.
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Patrons-- Lohr, Landes and Saxman; Senators: Hanger and Obenshain
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WHEREAS, the students of Turner Ashby High School in Rockingham County, Virginia, each an active member of the National Future Farmers of America Organization, displayed exceptional courage and fortitude during the completion of a 30-day on-the-water educational journey down the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers to Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay, known as Expedition Chesapeake; and

WHEREAS, during their travels, the students successfully investigated and highlighted the connection between the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and the critical role farmers play in reducing pollution in Virginia’s waterways when they are provided with the tools and resources to do so; and

WHEREAS, throughout their journey, the students monitored pollution levels, dissolved oxygen, biodiversity, and other indicators of ecosystem health and documented their findings on BayBound.org, in order to communicate to all Virginians the connection between land use and water quality; and

WHEREAS, using water quality testing equipment from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the students provided a continuous water quality record, the first of its kind, throughout their journey down the Potomac River, which is the second largest tributary to the Bay; and

WHEREAS, the participating students also made real connections with the communities they visited in their travels, sharing their experiences with local, state and federal elected officials and community leaders at various stops along the journey; and

WHEREAS, every student on Expedition Chesapeake—Kelsey Brunton, Kathy Bundrick, Steve Burgoyne, Brittany Casey, Jordan Diehl, Scott Flora, Chad Funkhouser, Gretchen Hale, Brian Landes, Eli Lehman, Tara McFarland, Chris Morris, Curt Newsome, Justin Powers, Mario Schultz, and Darr Soli—contributed to the success of this impressive journey; and

WHEREAS, the Agricultural Education Department of Turner Ashby High School and Rockingham County School personnel displayed exceptional leadership in educating their students to increase awareness and stewardship of Virginia’s natural resources; and

WHEREAS, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s staff members deserve high commendation for their extraordinary guidance and support of Expedition Chesapeake; and

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, during its 25th year in Virginia, works tirelessly toward the goal of educating the youth of Virginia and improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the participating students and faculty of Turner Ashby High School, along with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the National Future Farmers of America Organization for completing Expedition Chesapeake and championing the cause of land stewardship in improving water quality in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the students and faculty members of Expedition Chesapeake from Turner Ashby High School as an expression of the General Assembly’s pride and congratulations for their outstanding achievements.