2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 516

Commending Anthony Cimino-Johnson.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 27, 2025

Agreed to by the Senate, January 30, 2025

WHEREAS, Anthony Cimino-Johnson, an esteemed theater teacher at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn and resident of Leesburg, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the field of theater education, serving as a beacon for aspiring artists and theater professionals; and

WHEREAS, the Rock Ridge Performing Arts program, founded and led by Anthony “CJ” Cimino-Johnson, has achieved award-winning, critically acclaimed status and a reputation for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity and for its transformative impact on students; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Cimino-Johnson's vision and tireless advocacy have resulted in $2.8 million in funding for theater education across Loudoun County Public Schools, benefiting countless students and strengthening the theater arts in the community; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Cimino-Johnson's pioneering efforts have led to the establishment of the Commonwealth's first dual enrollment theater program, enabling high school students to earn college credits and save significantly on tuition, with his students collectively awarded more than 1,200 credits, which equates to more than $600,000 in savings; and

WHEREAS, under Anthony Cimino-Johnson's leadership as executive director, the Rock Ridge Drama Booster's Broadway Bound Performing Arts summer program has flourished, providing access to theater arts for more than 500 students annually, while also offering valuable internship opportunities for future educators; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Cimino-Johnson's students have received more than $8.1 million in scholarship awards and have represented the program at the national and international levels, including the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Cimino-Johnson's advocacy for inclusive and accessible theater experiences led to the first relaxed performance in Loudoun County, creating an environment welcoming to patrons with special needs and young children; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Cimino-Johnson's contributions to theater education, including his service on various committees, leadership in the Virginia Thespians, and speaking engagements at prominent conferences, have been recognized nationally; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to his commitment to excellence and leadership in arts education, Anthony Cimino-Johnson has received numerous awards for his professional achievements, including Loudoun's 40 Under 40 honor in 2023 and the Premiere Communities for Theatre Education distinction from the Educational Theatre Association; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Cimino-Johnson holds a master's degree in fine arts in theater education and advanced certifications in arts administration, school violence and bullying, and drama therapy, and he is currently pursuing National Board Certification in technical theater education; and

WHEREAS, the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, and Carnegie Mellon University, which seek to honor educators who inspire and shape the next generation of theater artists through their Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education, recognized Anthony Cimino-Johnson's dedication, passion, and impact on his students with an honorable mention in 2024; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Anthony Cimino-Johnson for his exemplary contributions to theater education, his commitment to his students, and his relentless pursuit of excellence and inclusivity in the arts; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Anthony Cimino-Johnson as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his legacy of service.