Bill Text: VA HJR233 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending John M. Thomas.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-02-24 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ233ER) [HJR233 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HJR233-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, John M. Thomas, the esteemed headmaster of Flint Hill School in Oakton who has greatly served the Northern Virginia community by contributing to the growth and development of its youth for many years, will retire on June 30, 2022; and
WHEREAS, as headmaster at Flint Hill School, John M. Thomas oversees the academic home to almost 1,000 students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade and a faculty and staff of 250 educators across two campuses in Oakton; and
WHEREAS, with unparalleled dedication, vision, and leadership, John M. Thomas has led the nationally recognized Flint Hill School, guiding the education and maturation of more than 6,400 alumni over 17 years as headmaster and teacher; and
WHEREAS, John M. Thomas is an innovator whose exceptional north star is rooted in the belief that education is a child-centric vocation, carrying on the tradition of John Tilghman "Til" Hazel, whose efforts rebuilt Flint Hill School as an independent school in 1990; and
WHEREAS, John M. Thomas steadfastly models the core values of Flint Hill School, expecting himself and others to lead by example, and has always maintained empathy, compassion, and concern for the children and families who have been the focus of his life's work; and
WHEREAS, John M. Thomas knows, understands, and values the obligation to mentor others, always seeing the possibilities for his colleagues to excel, advance, and grow and challenging them, both at Flint Hill School and in the independent school community of the Commonwealth, to do and be their best, whether in the classroom or the laboratory or on the performance stage, studio, or athletic field; and
WHEREAS, John M. Thomas has confidently led Flint Hill School through a time of both transition and tremendous challenges, building on the school's strong, historic foundation and the entrepreneurial underpinnings that are an essential element of what drives the school; and
WHEREAS, the legacy of John M. Thomas includes a host of traditions, both new and old, that inspire, create wonder, engender spirit, and foster connection between students, faculty, and the wider Flint Hill School community; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of John M. Thomas, Flint Hill School has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through the creation of a new director position; adoption of a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement; and designation of a standing committee of the Flint Hill School Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, John M. Thomas is the supporter-in-chief of Flint Hill School's academics, athletics, arts, and robotics programs through his visible presence at concerts, competitions, and athletic events, where he shares in the joys and disappointments of his students, families, faculty, and coaches, always with an encouraging word expressing pride and recognition of their hard work and commitment; and
WHEREAS, John M. Thomas is dedicated not only to Flint Hill School, but to the profession of teaching and the value proposition that quality education is a shared endeavor and responsibility; and
WHEREAS, upon his retirement, John M. Thomas is leaving Flint Hill School in good standing, with a strong academic program recognized for fostering learning and preparing students for a changing world and competitive athletic teams that reflect the importance of sportsmanship; and
WHEREAS, more than 2,000 graduates of Flint Hill School currently live in the Commonwealth and continue to follow John M. Thomas and the school's vision by making a difference in their local communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend John M. Thomas, headmaster of Flint Hill School, on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John M. Thomas as an expression of the General Assembly's high regard for his service to Flint Hill School and its students and families and of its best wishes for the future.
