2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25101143D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 647

Offered February 12, 2025

Commending T. Benjamin Polk.

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Patrons—Ennis, Clark, Cordoza, Earley, Green, Martinez, Owen, Rasoul and Ware; Senators: Craig, Diggs, Reeves and Salim

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WHEREAS, T. Benjamin Polk, a respected educator, coach, and athletic director who devoted many years of faithful service to Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, retired in 2024; and

WHEREAS, over 31 years as a teacher and coach at Deep Creek High School, T. Benjamin “Benny” Polk demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his students' academic, social, and emotional well-being, working tirelessly to foster their success both in and out of the classroom; and

WHEREAS, during Benny Polk's 27-year tenure as Deep Creek High School's athletic director, the football team achieved a state runner-up finish in 2000 and Southeastern District championships and undefeated regular seasons in 1995, 1998, 1999, and 2000, while the track and field team brought home state championships in 1995, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2007; and

WHEREAS, by the end of Benny Polk's career, the boys' and girls' sports teams of Deep Creek High School that he had overseen as athletic director had achieved a total of 11 Conference 17 championships, 27 Southeastern District championships, eight regional championships, and 12 state championships; and

WHEREAS, Benny Polk's leadership and guidance gave an untold number of student-athletes the foundation they needed to thrive, helping many of them to go on to enjoy accomplished careers at the collegiate and professional level; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his tremendous impact at the school, the gymnasium at Deep Creek High School was named the T. Benjamin Polk Gymnasium in his honor in June 2024; and

WHEREAS, by consistently embodying the highest ideals of the teaching and coaching profession, Benny Polk made a difference in countless lives and is deserving of the esteem and admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend T. Benjamin Polk, longtime educator, coach, and athletic director at Deep Creek High School, on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to T. Benjamin Polk as an expression of the General Assembly's high regard for his legacy of service and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.