Bill Text: VA HR692 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Alma Bella Academy.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2025-02-17 - Agreed to by House by voice vote [HR692 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-HR692-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25106749D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 692
Offered February 13, 2025
Commending Alma Bella Academy.
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Patron—Coyner
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WHEREAS, Alma Bella Academy was founded in 2020 by Dr. Debi Graves, a dedicated public school teacher with 25 years of experience; and
WHEREAS, Debi Graves sought to create a nurturing space where students could connect with friends, receive academic support, and engage in artistic activities, fostering creativity and growth beyond the traditional classroom setting; and
WHEREAS, the name “Alma Bella,” meaning “beautiful souls,” was inspired by a student's inquiry to Debi Graves about the essence of teaching, and demonstrates her commitment to caring for and uplifting her students; and
WHEREAS, Alma Bella Academy promotes inclusivity and accessibility, maintaining a 100 percent scholarship fulfillment rate to ensure financial circumstances do not hinder any student's participation; and
WHEREAS, Alma Bella Academy provides an afterschool enrichment program focused on academic reinforcement, study skills, and artistic endeavors such as painting, pottery, sewing, and jewelry making, all within a technology-free environment; and
WHEREAS, Alma Bella Academy offers a vibrant Summer Camp featuring themed weeks incorporating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics programs, team-building exercises, and physical activities to broaden students' horizons; and
WHEREAS, Alma Bella Academy invests in real-life learning experiences by providing field trips throughout the state to historic sites, nature destinations, and other educational locations to expand students' perspectives; and
WHEREAS, Alma Bella Academy promotes holistic education by fostering the development of mind, body, and spirit, including a non-denominational Bible Study course to provide spiritual enrichment and reinforce valuable life lessons; and
WHEREAS, Alma Bella Academy recognizes the importance of meeting the basic needs of students, ensuring that no student goes without a meal while attending, thereby supporting their overall well-being and ability to learn effectively; and
WHEREAS, Alma Bella Academy, together in partnership with the Alma Bella Foundation, have extended their services beyond youths, offering Bible Study for women, programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, and memory care for older individuals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Alma Bella Academy hereby be commended for its dedication to fostering education, creativity, and community support; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Debi Graves, founder of Alma Bella Academy, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the institution's unwavering commitment to serving students and families in need.
