Bill Text: VA HJR730 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Dr. Jessica M. Jones.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)
Status: (Passed) 2025-02-20 - Agreed to by Senate by voice vote [HJR730 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-HJR730-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25106924D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 730
Offered February 17, 2025
Commending Dr. Jessica M. Jones.
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Patrons—Marshall and Phillips; Senator: Mulchi
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WHEREAS, Dr. Jessica M. Jones, an agricultural teacher at Tunstall High School in Pittsylvania County and a champion for Virginia's agricultural sector, received the National Association of Agricultural Educators Teacher Mentor of the Year Award in 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Teacher Mentor of the Year Award recognizes outstanding National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) members who have committed their time and expertise to supporting and celebrating other teachers in their profession; Jessica Jones received the state award from the Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators (VAAE) in July 2024 and was presented with the national accolade at the NAAE Convention in December 2024; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her work with the VAAE and the NAAE, Jessica Jones is a leader in several other organizations related to agriculture and education, including the Association for Career and Technical Education, the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International; has also served the Commonwealth as a member of the State Milk Commission; and
WHEREAS, Jessica Jones began her career as an agricultural education and environmental science teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor in Campbell County Public Schools; she subsequently joined Pittsylvania County Public Schools as a faculty member at Chatham Middle School and currently works at Tunstall High School; and
WHEREAS, Jessica Jones is also the coach and lead mentor for Tunstall High School's For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology robotics team and a professor of agribusiness, communications, and leadership at the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Jessica Jones provides her leadership and expertise to the county as the president of the Pittsylvania Education Association, vice president of the Virginia Education Association, and serves as chair of the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure; which advises the Virginia Board of Education on policies applicable to the qualifications, examination, and licensure of public school personnel; and
WHEREAS, in 2011, Jessica Jones was appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell to the State Milk Commission under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; she served in that capacity until 2018, then was reappointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2022; and
WHEREAS, as a member of the State Milk Commission, Jessica Jones has overseen the issuance of licenses to processors and distributors of fluid milk products and helped ensure that Virginians have a consistent, available, and reasonably priced supply of milk; and
WHEREAS, among many other awards and accolades, Jessica Jones was selected as the Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women's Leadership Conference in 2024; and
WHEREAS, through her contributions as an educator and a trusted expert in her field, Jessica Jones has helped strengthen the Commonwealth's agricultural and education sectors for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Dr. Jessica M. Jones, a devoted educator and an advocate for the Commonwealth's agricultural industry, for receiving the National Association of Agricultural Educators Teacher Mentor of the Year Award in 2024; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Jessica M. Jones as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her personal and professional achievements.
