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Bill

Bill

SR 2015

Commending Robert F. Peck.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 2 co-sponsors

The Virginia Senate commends Robert F. Peck for nearly 30 years of civics education and leadership, notably guiding Freeman High’s We the People program and inspiring public servic

Bill text as passed Senate (SR2015ER)
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Bill Summary · SR 2015

Overview

  • Type: Senate Resolution (SR 2015)
  • Session: 2026 Special Session I, Virginia
  • Jurisdiction: Virginia
  • Title: Commending Robert F. Peck
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor (Patron) VanValkenburg; Co-sponsor Schuyler VanValkenburg
  • Status: Introduced and laid on Clerk’s Desk on April 23, 2026

Primary Purpose

  • To commend and honor Robert F. Peck for his long-time service as a government and civics educator at Douglas S. Freeman High School in Henrico County, Virginia.
  • Specifically recognizes his leadership of the school’s nationally successful We the People program and his contributions to civics education.

Key Provisions and Provisions of Action

  • Formal recognition by the Virginia Senate of Robert F. Peck’s extensive teaching career (29 years at Freeman High School) and his roles:
    • AP Government instruction
    • Leadership and ethics seminar
    • Director of the Center for Leadership, Government and Global Economics (27 of the school’s 30 years)
    • Director and coach of Freeman High School’s We the People program since 2011
  • Acknowledgment of the We the People curriculum’s impact, including:
    • Participation in national-level competitions featuring mock congressional hearings
    • Achievements such as four We the People national titles, multiple state-level high placements, and top-10 finishes at national competitions in Washington, D.C. (including a runner-up finish)
  • Recognition of Peck’s influence on students, including many who pursued careers in government institutions (e.g., General Assembly, U.S. Capitol)
  • Summary of honors and awards received by Peck over the years, including:
    • R.E.B Award for Teaching Excellence (Community Foundation of Richmond)
    • John Marshall Foundation Educator of the Year
    • Virginia Civics Teacher of the Year
    • Virginia Lottery Super Teacher
    • Coca-Cola National Teacher of the Year
    • 2006 Henrico County Public Schools Gilman Teacher of the Year
  • Note on timing: Peck will conclude his term as coach and program leader of Freeman High School’s We the People program in 2026, prompting the formal commendation.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Primary recipient: Robert F. Peck
  • Institution affected: Douglas S. Freeman High School, Henrico County Public Schools
  • Broader impact: Recognition by the Virginia Senate of exemplary civics education and mentorship that has influenced students and potentially inspired careers in public service

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and presentation date: April 23, 2026
  • Action history indicates the resolution was laid on the Clerk’s Desk on April 23, 2026 (no bill passage required; this is a ceremonial acknowledgment)
  • Effective scope: Ceremonial commendation; symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Virginia Senate

Summary of Impact

  • The resolution serves as an official, non-binding acknowledgment of Robert F. Peck’s nearly three decades of dedicated civics education, leadership, and mentoring, particularly through the We the People program.
  • It highlights the value of quality civics instruction and its role in shaping civic engagement and public service aspirations among students in Henrico County and across Virginia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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