2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25107448D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 734

Offered February 17, 2025

Commending Washington-Liberty High School.

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Patrons—Hope and Lopez; Senators: Ebbin and Favola

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WHEREAS, Washington-Liberty High School, the oldest continuously operating high school in Arlington County, has helped young people grow academically and become good citizens of the Commonwealth for 100 years; and

WHEREAS, prior to the construction of Washington-Liberty High School, students in Arlington County either attended high schools in Washington, D.C., or part of the county that is now within the City of Alexandria; and

WHEREAS, in 1922, Arlington County residents voted for school bonds to fund a centrally located high school, marking the first time bonds were used to finance school construction in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the new high school initially operated out of existing schools in Ballston and Cherrydale and was unofficially known as “the central high school” or Ballston High School during the 1924–1925 academic year; and

WHEREAS, on October 6, 1925, Washington-Liberty High School officially opened in a three-story Beaux Arts-style building; the school was originally named Washington-Lee High School after Washington and Lee University and adopted many of the institution's traditions, including an honor code, the generals mascot, the school seal, and the typical nickname “WnL”; and

WHEREAS, Washington-Liberty High School grew with Arlington County and quickly became a model for other schools throughout the Commonwealth and the United States, earning national accolades for its commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and student achievements; and

WHEREAS, Washington-Liberty High School continued to make history in its early years; its Cadet Corps was the first Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in Northern Virginia, its crew team is the region's second-oldest scholastic rowing program in the region, its 1966 varsity boys' basketball team was the first integrated team to win a basketball state championship in the Commonwealth, and it was one of the first high schools in the region to offer advanced, college-level classes; and

WHEREAS, Washington-Liberty High School began offering English as a second language classes as early as 1967, and the school has always celebrated the diversity of its student body by honoring other cultures and giving students the tools they need to participate in a global society; and

WHEREAS, Washington-Liberty High School adopted its current name in 2019 to honor the school's rich history while inspiring future generations of students; and

WHEREAS, graduates of Washington-Liberty High School have achieved success in the arts, science, business, military service, government, professional athletics and more; these alumni have won Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes, Olympic medals, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony awards, and Major League Baseball and National Football League championships; and

WHEREAS, throughout its history, Washington-Liberty High School has provided a caring, stimulating, and safe environment in which generations of students have learned how to achieve their fullest potential both in and out of the classroom; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Washington-Liberty High School on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Washington-Liberty High School as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the school's storied history and incredible legacy of achievements in service to young people in Arlington County.