WHEREAS, Harriet Bowen Mika, a respected Fairfax County educator and dedicated community volunteer, died on March 11, 2013; and

WHEREAS, a native of Washington, D.C., Harriet Mika grew up in Illinois and graduated from the University of Chicago Laboratory High School; and

WHEREAS, Harriet Mika earned a bachelor's degree from Knox College and a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison before returning to Illinois and embarking on a distinguished career in education; and

WHEREAS, in 1964, Harriet Mika relocated to Fairfax County and taught for six years at Thomas A. Edison High School before joining W. T. Woodson High School, where she enjoyed a successful 22-year career and from where she retired in 1992; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated educator, Harriet Mika encouraged students to excel in all of their endeavors and earned the respect of parents, colleagues, and school administrators for her commitment to high quality education; and

WHEREAS, Harriet Mika took an active role in community affairs as a longtime member of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee and Woman's National Democratic Club; and

WHEREAS, in retirement, Harriet Mika had the unique opportunity to give her time and talents as a volunteer for President William Clinton's first transition into office; and

WHEREAS, Harriet Mika also provided valuable assistance through her work for the United States Department of Agriculture and at the Audrey Moore RECenter at Wakefield Park during retirement; and

WHEREAS, Harriet Mika enjoyed fellowship and worship at the Church of the Good Shepherd and later at St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church; she served as a vestry and altar guild member for both congregations; and

WHEREAS, Harriet Mika touched the lives of countless individuals over the course of her well-lived life with her kind and caring nature, dedication to her students, and commitment to helping those around her; and

WHEREAS, Harriet Mika will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Walter; son, David, and his wife, Pamela; granddaughter, Isabella; numerous other family members and friends; and former colleagues and students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of an esteemed educator and admired citizen of Fairfax County, Harriet Bowen Mika; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Harriet Bowen Mika as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.