HJ280: Commending Thomas R. Smigiel, Jr.
Patrons-- Miller, P.J., Alexander, Howell, A.T., Joannou, Lewis and Melvin; Senators: Miller, Y.B. and Northam
WHEREAS, Thomas R. Smigiel, Jr., a leadership and earth science teacher at Norview High School of the City of Norfolk Public Schools, is Virginia’s 2008 Teacher of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Virginia’s Teacher of the Year is chosen from eight regional teacher finalists, and Thomas “Tommy” Smigiel was awarded the state honor in Richmond on October 26, 2007, in a ceremony sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education in cooperation with corporate sponsors; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Smigiel is one of four finalists for the 2008 National Teacher of the Year award, the nation’s top teaching honor, which is sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the ING Foundation and is announced at a White House ceremony; and
WHEREAS, the Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors teachers who represent the best in teaching across the Commonwealth and the nation, and the acclaimed award winners serve as ambassadors promoting the teaching profession and quality education for all students; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Smigiel earned a bachelor’s degree in middle school science and social studies from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in school administration from Cambridge College; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to increase Standards of Learning science scores at Norview High School, Tommy Smigiel reworked Norview High School’s science curriculum; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Smigiel has been active in the Education Association of Norfolk, the Virginia Education Association, and numerous other professional associations, and has written and received grants that support Norview High’s Small Learning Community and its goal of decreasing teen delinquency; and
WHEREAS, a talented and dedicated educator, Tommy Smigiel epitomizes the vital role teachers play as mentors inside and outside the classroom through his Teen Leadership classes, which teach students to be good stewards of the environment and responsible and active members of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Thomas R. Smigiel, Jr., on his well-deserved recognition as Virginia’s 2008 Teacher of the Year; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Thomas R. Smigiel, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration and gratitude for his commitment to the young people of Norfolk and the Commonwealth.