Virginia General Assembly commends NNPS Youth Development with resolution
Posted: February 12, 2025
The Virginia General Assembly recognized Newport News Public Schools Youth Development's accomplishments and contributions to the community by passing a resolution commending its efforts at the State Capitol on February 12.
Delegate Chad Green introduced House Joint Resolution No. 556 and was joined by Delegate Marcia Price and Senator Danny Diggs as co-patrons. Green acknowledged the Youth Development staff, student representatives and community partners in the gallery and asked them to stand as he summarized the resolution.
"Mr. Speaker, today in the gallery, we have the future of Virginia sitting right before us," Green said. "The Newport News Youth Development program encourages their young people to develop strong and healthy relationships, emphasize empowerment, create positive habits.
"These kids are high achievers in Newport News. They are active in clubs across their schools, achieve good grades and all have bright futures ahead of them."
Green made a motion that the resolution be adopted, which it was by unanimous vote.
"We are honored that our legislators would take the time to recognize the hard work and dedication of our school staff and Youth Development team to promote positive experiences, relationships and environments for all NNPS students," said Bridget Adams, NNPS director of Youth and Family Engagement.
"It's a privilege to get to do what we do every day."
Students from Gildersleeve Middle School Bloom, Warwick High School Flourish, Deer Park Elementary School Blossom and the Heritage High School My Brother's Keeper and My Sister's Keeper programs, as well as a Woodside High School student leader, represented NNPS Youth Development.
Adams was joined in the NNPS contingent by Youth Development Supervisor Michael Nichols, Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement Tiffany Jones and coaches from each program. MaRhonda Carter, coordinator with the Newport News Police Department Community & Youth Outreach Division, represented the numerous community partners who support Youth Development.
The group started its visit by observing a General Assembly general session where legislators discussed a bill that would impact diabetes management in public schools. Delegate Shelly Simonds recognized the NNPS visitors during the session.
Students visited several delegates' offices, including Green's, for informal conversations, which were followed by lunch prior to the resolution coming onto the House floor.
The resolution acknowledged Youth Development's numerous programs within the school system and involving community partners, as well as its emphasis on individual growth for every student in the school division. In encouraging every student to participate in at least one organization, sports team or other enrichment opportunity, Youth Development creates positive norms, expectations, and perspectives in physically and emotionally safe environments, it went on to say.
The resolution acknowledged that Youth Development was recognized with the 2024 Silver Magna Award by the National School Boards Association, which featured the division's accomplishments in the April 2024 edition of the "American School Board Journal."
