HJ378: Commending Tonda Finney.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 378

Offered February 27, 2020
Commending Tonda Finney.
Patron-- Adams, L.R.

WHEREAS, Tonda Finney, a longtime employee with Pittsylvania County Schools and executive administrative assistant to the assistant superintendent for instruction, retired in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Tonda Finney’s career with Pittsylvania County Schools (PCS) began when she was still a student at Gretna High School; after excelling in a Cooperative Office Education program that was part of the school’s business course, she was offered a full-time job and started the same summer she graduated; and

WHEREAS, Tonda Finney spent her entire career with the PCS instruction department, taking on an important role in the management of the collection of student records and the creation of PCS publications, like student handbooks and course selection guides; and

WHEREAS, the crowning achievement of Tonda Finney’s career was the establishment of the Graduate of Merit Program, which she spearheaded in 2000 to recognize PCS graduates for their exemplary achievements, maturity, and character; and

WHEREAS, a recipient of the 2000 Horizon Award, the Graduate of Merit Program has recognized more than 2,000 extraordinary PCS graduates over the past 20 years, while motivating countless students to strive to succeed academically and be supportive members of the community; and

WHEREAS, over her 41 years with PCS, Tonda Finney inspired students and staff with her conscientious spirit, dependable nature, and industrious work ethic, exuding a passion for her work that compelled the best in others; and

WHEREAS, navigating seismic changes in technology over her career, Tonda Finney was a highly sought collaborator others relied on for enhancing the school system’s presentations, brochures, and publications; and

WHEREAS, as a compassionate and caring executive assistant, Tonda Finney provided an essential service to PCS while also brightening the lives of the students and staff she helped every day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Tonda Finney, a cherished employee of the Pittsylvania County Schools community, 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 Tonda Finney as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for her contributions to Pittsylvania County and the Commonwealth.