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2018 SESSION

18101373D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 397
Offered February 27, 2018
Commending An Achievable Dream.
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Patrons-- Mullin, Price, Aird and Yancey; Senator: Mason
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WHEREAS, An Achievable Dream, a Newport News-based nonprofit organization that has touched the lives of thousands of students through its enhanced learning programs, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2017; and

WHEREAS, An Achievable Dream traces its roots to 1992, when Newport News businessman Walter Segaloff created a summer and after-school tennis and tutoring program; during its first year, the organization served 95 rising fourth graders from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, since its founding, An Achievable Dream has grown into a nationally-recognized program that serves nearly 2,000 at-risk students through specialized public school academies at a middle and high school in Newport News and three elementary schools in Newport News, Virginia Beach, and Henrico County; and

WHEREAS, An Achievable Dream’s K-12 students, known as “Dreamers,” participate in a unique curriculum that includes intensive academic study as well as instruction in life skills such as ethics, etiquette, conflict resolution, and personal finance; and

WHEREAS, An Achievable Dream’s students also receive tutoring, mentoring, and job skills training, and they are required to participate in tennis instruction, cultural events, and community service projects; and

WHEREAS, students at An Achievable Dream’s four academies pass the Standards of Learning tests at a rate that equals or exceeds that of top students across the Commonwealth; in addition, the high school program has recorded a 100 percent on-time graduation rate, with 90 percent of students attending college or trade school and the other 10 percent entering the work force or joining the military; and

WHEREAS, in 2017, graduating seniors from the An Achievable Dream Middle and High School in Newport News were awarded in total over $2 million in college scholarships and were accepted to 140 different universities; and

WHEREAS, through its innovative and student-focused curriculum, An Achievable Dream has enhanced the education of thousands of young people and helped prepare them for future success; and

WHEREAS, to celebrate its 25th anniversary, An Achievable Dream hosted its annual Tennis Ball gala and fundraiser at the Hampton Roads Convention Center on November 18, 2017; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend An Achievable Dream on 25 years of providing increased academic opportunities for students across the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to An Achievable Dream as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for its many contributions to excellence in public school education.