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2013 SESSION

13100048D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 546
Offered January 9, 2013
Prefiled October 24, 2012
Commending Sue Forbes Watson.
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Patron-- Cox, J.A.
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WHEREAS, Sue Forbes Watson, one of the longest-serving school board members in the Commonwealth, retired in 2012 as the Ashland District representative on the Hanover County School Board after 36 years of distinguished service; and

WHEREAS, a native of Wilson, North Carolina, Sue Watson earned a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before teaching English in Henrico County; and

WHEREAS, a passionate believer in the potential of all children and the importance of education in helping them achieve their goals, Sue Watson was appointed to the Hanover County School Board as the Ashland District representative in 1976, the first woman on the board; and

WHEREAS, over the next 36 years, Sue Watson served under four of Hanover County’s superintendents and provided strong leadership during her eight terms as chair of the Hanover County School Board; and

WHEREAS, Sue Watson worked with parents, educators, citizens, school administrators and staff, and business and political leaders to foster an environment in which Hanover County students could receive the best possible education and excel in their endeavors; and

WHEREAS, over the course of her remarkably long tenure, Sue Watson helped shape the growth and development of Hanover County Public Schools and touched the lives of countless students through her tireless efforts on their behalf; and

WHEREAS, Sue Watson helped establish the Hanover Education Foundation and Hanover Youth Achievement Program and generously gave her time and talents as a member of numerous local committees and regional and state boards, while also serving the community in a variety of roles; and

WHEREAS, Sue Watson has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades over the past four decades for her extraordinary service and contributions, including an honorary doctorate from Randolph-Macon College; and

WHEREAS, today, Hanover County students receive a superior education from talented teachers in an award-winning school system that enjoys the enthusiastic support of community members, a result of the unwavering commitment of Sue Watson to public education and local youth; and

WHEREAS, after nearly four decades of exemplary service, Sue Watson looks forward to spending time with friends and family and devoting more time to such projects as the Ashland Musical Variety Show, while continuing to advocate for quality public education; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Sue Forbes Watson for her dedicated service on the Hanover County School Board on the occasion of her retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Sue Forbes Watson as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for her commitment to the young people of Hanover County and contributions to public education.