2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 93
Commending Karen Grady.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2026
WHEREAS, Karen Grady, a first-grade teacher at A. R. Ware Elementary School of Staunton City Public Schools, has been named the Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 5 by the Virginia Department of Education for 2026; and
WHEREAS, a devoted educator and mentor for 25 years, Karen Grady has consistently demonstrated her commitment to ensuring her students have a strong foundation in literacy and other essential skills; and
WHEREAS, Karen Grady has completed extensive training to provide the highest quality reading instruction, has partnered with local firefighters through the Firefighters in Literacy program to expand learning supports, and volunteers her time with the fire department to assist their needs; and
WHEREAS, admired for her ability to transfer responsibility for learning to her students and maintain high expectations, Karen Grady inspires tremendous academic and personal growth among her first graders each school year; and
WHEREAS, Karen Grady embraces the challenges of teaching with resilience and enthusiasm, consistently researching and implementing new teaching strategies, tutoring students after school, and seeking innovative ways to enhance classroom instruction; and
WHEREAS, beyond her own classroom, Karen Grady generously supports her first-grade team by sharing materials, ideas, and resources, believing deeply in the value of teamwork for professional growth and the creation of a supportive learning environment; and