WHEREAS, Public education is widely recognized as the cornerstone
of our American democracy; and
WHEREAS, The strength of our educational system rests on the
selfless contributions of ordinary men and women who possess
extraordinary passion for teaching and learning; and
WHEREAS, Trevor LaMont Tatanka Greene is an educator who has
demonstrated outstanding leadership in the field and in service to the
students of Washington State; and
WHEREAS, As principal at Toppenish High School, Trevor Greene
inspires his students and staff to focus on possibilities, not on
pitfalls, and to aspire toward excellence in every endeavor; and
WHEREAS, In embracing the potential of students and staff to meet
rigorous academic standards through relevant and engaging curricula,
Principal Greene introduced challenging science, technology,
engineering, and math programs that expose his students to engineering
and biomedical applications and provide college credits; and
WHEREAS, Principal Greene also established a popular robotics
program that enables his students to participate in national
competitions while travelling and meeting youth from across the United
States; and
WHEREAS, As a result of these and other innovations, student test
scores in science at Toppenish High School improved by sixty-seven
percent in three years; and
WHEREAS, This accomplishment is especially noteworthy for a school
in which one hundred percent of the student body qualifies for free or
reduced-price lunch and for a community where opportunities are few;
and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his leadership and ability to improve
educational opportunities and outcomes for all students, Principal
Greene has received numerous awards and accolades including, most
recently, 2013 National High School Principal of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Principal Greene is the first educator from the State of
Washington and the Pacific Northwest region to receive this prestigious
award;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of
Representatives recognize Trevor Greene of Toppenish High School for
his exemplary service in the field of public education and commend him
for his selection as the 2013 National High School Principal of the
Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of
Representatives to Principal Greene, Toppenish High School, and
Educational Service District 105.