Commending West Potomac High School.

Commending West Potomac High School.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
WHEREAS, West Potomac High School, an outstanding public secondary school in Fairfax County, has upheld its mission to give young people the tools and support they need to achieve their fullest potential for more than 40 years; and
WHEREAS, West Potomac High School, which is located in Alexandria and is part of Fairfax County Public Schools, was established in 1985 through the merger of Fort Hunt High School and Groveton High School; and
WHEREAS, in its early years, the student body of West Potomac High School voted on the school's name, mascot, and school colors, along with other traditions, such as the spirit rock, a student-led hype squad, and a school fight song, ensuring that young people had a strong stake in the growth of the school community; and
WHEREAS, West Potomac High School opened with the motto, “The Tradition Begins Now,” and subsequently adopted its current motto, “Excellence is a Tradition,” to reflect the school's ongoing contributions to Fairfax County and the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, West Potomac High School serves one of the most diverse student bodies in the Commonwealth, with students from more than 75 countries who speak more than 46 different languages in their homes; and
WHEREAS, West Potomac High School maintains a close relationship with the community, local businesses, and local middle and elementary schools while providing a challenging academic program that includes 26 advanced placement classes, four dual enrollment courses, and a rigorous array of career and technical education offerings through the West Potomac Academy and the Clifford S. Hardison Governor's Health Sciences Academy; and
WHEREAS, highly regarded for its academic excellence, West Potomac High School has produced more than 100 National Merit commended scholars in its history; and
WHEREAS, since its inception, West Potomac High School has produced numerous award-winning student-athletes and championship-winning athletic teams, which have served as a unifying force for the student body and the broader community; and
WHEREAS, in addition, the West Potomac High School mock trial team has won county and state competitions, the debate team has won three state championships, the chorus has performed for President Bill Clinton and for United States Secretaries of State, and the band has played for President Ronald Reagan and also has achieved state and national recognition, including in competitions; and
WHEREAS, many notable alumni from West Potomac High School have achieved success as elected officials, business owners, professional football players, Olympians, musicians, actors, and leaders in a wide range of career fields; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend West Potomac High School for its 40th anniversary of service to young people in Fairfax County; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to West Potomac High School as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the school's longstanding commitment to the promotion of academic excellence and community leadership.