A. Donald McEachin

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate the Seven Hills School on the 20th Anniversary of their founding. Seven Hills School has not only provided exceptional education to middle school boys in our Richmond community but has created a strong community that will support their students long after they graduate.

The Seven Hills School first opened its doors in 2001 and over the last twenty years has created an environment that equips their graduates to succeed both in the classroom and beyond. Staff and teachers at Seven Hills School establish strong relationships between students and fosters curiosity and enthusiasm in the classroom.

After two decades, Seven Hills' teachers and staff remain dedicated to their mission of cultivating keen intellect and emotional strength in their students, as well as establishing a strong community within. With three hundred and eighty-eight alumni, Seven Hills School has established itself to be an institution designed to help middle school boys succeed with new approaches that provide hands-on and experiential learning that will stick with their students for life.

Madam Speaker. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Seven Hills School and wishing them another twenty years of success educating bright young men.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Marion F. Smith, a constituent of Virginia's 4th Congressional District. This July 20th, Ms. Smith will reach the milestone of her 100th birthday.

Marion F. Smith was born on July 20, 1922 in Chesapeake, Virginia, to Isaiah and Laura Ferebee. Laura, a mid-wife, and Isaiah, a farmer, raised their 7 children through the Great Depression and encouraged each of them to chase opportunities and live their lives to the fullest.

Ms. Smith learned about perseverance early on. In elementary and middle school she walked five miles each way to and from school. In 1939, she graduated from Providence High School and was married in 1943. While this marriage ended in 1960, it provided her with 3 beloved children: Roderick, John, and Rita.

A lifelong learner, Ms. Smith sought education at every level. She was initially able to take classes at Women's College in Greensboro and Norfolk State University. She earned enough credits to enter the Teacher Corps Program in 1971 and graduated from Norfolk State University in 1973 with her B.S. in Elementary Education. She also found time to serve her community by working for the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP) in Norfolk, helping to alleviate poverty in low-income communities.

After graduation, with her degree in hand, Marion returned to Chesapeake and became a teacher in Chesapeake Public Schools. The lifelong learner she was, Marion continued her education and graduated from Old Dominion University with her master's degree in education in 1987. She retired from Chesapeake Public Schools in 1989. Ms. Smith is also a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for Educators, in the Alpha Lambda Chapter.

In addition to her passion for education, she is also a woman of faith. She grew up in a Christian family and is currently a member at Covenant Fellowship. She is also a Past Matron of The Order of the Eastern Star of Virginia.

While Marion has centered her life around education, service, and spirituality, she also loves to bake and cook, she loves cars and houses, and especially loves to bowl. After retiring, Marion decided to take up bowling and continued her bowling career until she turned 97. She still notes how much she enjoys the sport.

Marion has lived a life of faith, love, and grace.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Marion F. Smith a happy 100th birthday.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate the hiring of Chief Tina R. Watkins, who is the first female, and first African-American fire chief of Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services in its nearly 250-year history. Chief Watkins brings years of experience in fire administration and field operations and is primed to succeed in this role.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Chief Watkins grew up in a middle-class family where she was raised by hard working parents. Her mother was an educator, and father was a postal worker and Korean War veteran. They encouraged Chief Watkins and her three brothers to go out and experience their dreams. Inspired by her parents, Chief Watkins chose a path of service in her own life.

Chief Watkins holds impressive educational credentials. She earned a Master's degree in Leadership with an emphasis in Emergency Management and Executive Fire Leadership, along with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety and Business Administration. She holds many professional certifications through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Fire Academy, and the Virginia State Fire Program, including those in fire prevention, hazardous materials, national fire services staff and command, and emergency planning and effective communications. This education has served Chief Watkins throughout her career, and will surely continue to inform her work in Petersburg.

Chief Watkins has proven her dedication to service and her community. After graduation she served our nation as a member of the United States Coast Guard. Following her Coast Guard service, Chief Watkins began her fire service career in 1988 when she was recruited and hired by the Richmond Fire and Emergency Services as a fire fighter. She was promoted through the ranks to become Richmond Fire and Emergency Services first female lieutenant, captain, and chief officer. She spent 11 years as a Battalion Chief for Richmond Fire and Emergency Services where she supervised five stations and six fire companies. Chief Watkins has a demonstrated track record serving in leadership roles with Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, leaving a legacy of improving processes and policies, making the department more efficient.

Now Chief Watkins has the distinction of not only becoming Petersburg's first African American Fire Chief, but also first woman to lead a fire department in the Commonwealth. I am confident that under her leadership the Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services will continue to provide exceptional service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Chief Tina R. Watkins for her service to her Nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and her community.