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2016 SESSION
WHEREAS, Elise L. Emanuel, who has admirably and tirelessly served as a teacher, guidance counselor, and member of the Williamsburg-James City County School Board for more than four decades, and has been a respected and effective advocate for students, teachers, and the school administration, retired in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Elise Emanuel decided to become a teacher when she was in the sixth grade; she first taught at Fort Collins, Colorado, and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before starting her career in the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools in 1967; and
WHEREAS, except for a short break when she moved with her husband to Germany, Elise Emanuel has worked in the Williamsburg-James City County Public School system for more than 42 years; she first taught social studies at James Blair High School while pursuing a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from The College of William & Mary; and
WHEREAS, Elise Emanuel, who was one of the first teachers at Lafayette High School when it opened in 1973, became a guidance counselor at the school in 1977 and was named head of the department in the late 1990s; and
WHEREAS, Elise Emanuel retired in 2001, but two years later, she continued her work in public service by becoming a member of the Williamsburg-James City County School Board; she served three four-year terms, always striving to do what was in the best interests of the students and staff; and
WHEREAS, a tireless advocate for public education who was known for her solutions-oriented approach, Elise Emanuel also made numerous valued contributions to the Williamsburg-James City County Education Association, of which she served as president for many years; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Elise Emanuel served the Commonwealth with distinction as chair of the board of directors of Thomas Nelson Community College and chair of the Virginia Retirement System Board of Trustees, providing advice and counsel to two institutions whose missions affect the lives of thousands of Virginians; and
WHEREAS, widely admired for her ability to listen to all sides of an issue and build consensus, Elise Emanuel was a natural leader who enjoyed helping students see what an education could help them achieve; she could examine issues clearly and analyze them effectively—skills that were essential in her numerous leadership and advocacy roles; and
WHEREAS, a community builder and mentor who was admired and respected by students, parents, and colleagues, Elise Emanuel leaves an outstanding legacy of service to the people of Williamsburg, James City County, and the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Elise L. Emanuel, a highly regarded educator and advocate for public education, hereby be commended on the occasion of her retirement from the Williamsburg-James City County School Board; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Elise L. Emanuel as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect and admiration for her many contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes in retirement.