[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27630]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE REDEDICATION OF THE W.T. WOODSON HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, November 7, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the rededication of the W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax County, 
Virginia. The W.T. Woodson High School has consistently been recognized 
as one of the top ranked schools in the country and continues to 
educate and shape our future leaders. I am proud to recognize the 
accomplishments of this school and all the students and faculty who 
have been a part of its storied history.
  The W.T. Woodson High School first opened its doors to students in 
1962. At this time, Woodson was not only the largest school in Fairfax 
County but the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Built on a 
dairy farm, Woodson's campus continues to be the largest high school 
campus in Fairfax County.
  Woodson High School was named in honor of the late superintendent of 
the Fairfax County Schools Mr. Wilbert Tucker Woodson. Mr. Woodson 
dedicated himself to his community and to the students of Fairfax 
County from 1921 to 1961. He inspired a tradition of service to 
community, and dedication to a well-rounded education that is still 
shared today. Today, Woodson continues to be recognized for having the 
best teachers in the county, a distinguished arts program led by their 
chorale and theater programs, and one of the most competitive sports 
programs.
  While Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and a 
parent of a Woodson student, I was proud to be a partner in the 
renovations to the W.T. Woodson High School. Together with parents, 
faculty, and community leaders, we were successful in securing funds to 
start the much needed renovation to this school. Renovations to Woodson 
began in 2005 and were completed this year. As a result of our 
community's commitment to investments in education, we were able to 
create a new fine arts wing, renovate the cafeteria, expand and remodel 
the auditorium, as well as make improvements to classrooms and athletic 
facilities.
  Woodson is an example of the culmination of the efforts of a 
community that came together for a common goal. Our community realized 
the critical investments we must make in our nation's future by 
providing a positive community oriented learning experience for our 
children. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
accomplishments of the W.T. Woodson High School and its community's 
commitment and dedication to our students and the future leaders of our 
country.

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