2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 582

Commending Tony Wishard.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 10, 2025

WHEREAS, Tony Wishard, an esteemed educator and education administrator, has made a profound and lasting impact on the students he serves as a student support specialist at Walker-Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Chancellor High School in Fredericksburg, Tony Wishard earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science and health science from Fairmont State University and an endorsement to teach health and physical education at the Pre-K to 12th grade level; and

WHEREAS, Tony Wishard began his career in education at Hugh Mercer Elementary School (HMES) in Fredericksburg in March 2012 and quickly became an integral member of the school's community, receiving HMES Teacher of the Year honors in 2017; and

WHEREAS, Tony Wishard honed his abilities to serve as an education administrator by obtaining a master's degree in educational leadership in 2018 and a year later became assistant principal at HMES; and

WHEREAS, Tony Wishard currently serves as a student support specialist at Walker-Grant Middle School, where he provides vital mentorship and guidance to students in need; and

WHEREAS, in addition to administering the Student Support Glow Mentoring Program, Tony Wishard assists students returning from suspension or alternative education programs, serves as a liaison for students with social workers, counselors, and other school staff, and coordinates the James Farmer Scholars program; and

WHEREAS, from facilitating food distribution for children in need to spearheading special community engagement events, Tony Wishard works indefatigably to ensure the well-being of his students; and

WHEREAS, following a viral social media post that brought greater attention to his inspiring efforts to support his students, Tony Wishard was featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show in October 2024; and

WHEREAS, through his unwavering commitment to his students, Tony Wishard has exemplified the ideals of the teaching profession and is deserving of the admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Tony Wishard hereby be commended for his accomplishments as an educator and community leader; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Tony Wishard as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect and appreciation for his contributions to Fredericksburg and the Commonwealth.