WHEREAS, Gwendolyn L. Hairston, one of the first African American students to integrate a formerly all-white school in Cumberland County, has served students in Virginia public schools for more than four decades; and

WHEREAS, a native of Farmville, Gwendolyn Hairston attended Hawk Elementary School and Luther Porter Jackson High School before she bravely became one of the 10 students, known as the Cumberland 10, to integrate Cumberland High School; and

WHEREAS, Gwendolyn Hairston went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Virginia State University, where she played on the basketball team and joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, of which she has been a proud member for 44 years; and

WHEREAS, Gwendolyn Hairston has inspired more than 8,400 students as a teacher and coach at schools in Stafford County, the City of Roanoke, and Albemarle County, including Anne E. Moncure Elementary School, Park View Elementary School, Falmouth Elementary School, Stafford Middle School, Garrisonville Middle School, Breckinridge Junior High School, and Agnor-Hurt Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, many of Gwendolyn Hairston's students have followed her example and become distinguished educators and leaders in their fields; she has also mentored more than 25 University of Virginia practicum students and three student teachers; and

WHEREAS, throughout her career, Gwendolyn Hairston has worked to provide unique opportunities for her students, including family fun nights, skate nights, Black History Month events, community service activities, and athletic skills competitions, such as the National Football League Punt, Pass, and Kick program, the Elks National Hoop Shoot, and Discovery Dash Relay Teams; and

WHEREAS, Gwendolyn Hairston earned numerous awards and accolades during her career as an educator, including the 2006 Southern District Elementary School Physical Educator of the Year award and the 2011 Golden Apple Award; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Gwendolyn L. Hairston hereby be commended for her contributions to the Civil Rights movement and legacy of excellence as an educator; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Gwendolyn L. Hairston as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her incredible contributions to the Commonwealth.