SR 2015

Commending Robert F. Peck.
Agreed to by the Senate, June 22, 2026
WHEREAS, Robert F. Peck has made a profound and positive impact on countless young people's lives as a government and civics educator at Douglas S. Freeman High School in Henrico County and as the director of the school's nationally successful We the People program; and
WHEREAS, Robert Peck teaches AP Government as well as a leadership and ethics seminar at Douglas S. Freeman High School, where he has taught for 29 years; he has also served as director of the school's Center for Leadership, Government and Global Economics for 27 of its 30 years in existence; and
WHEREAS, Robert Peck has dedicated his career to giving his students a greater understanding of the democratic process and the institutions and principles of government; and
WHEREAS, since 2011, Robert Peck has utilized the “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” curriculum, which culminates in national-level competitions that involve students participating in mock congressional hearings; and
WHEREAS, Robert Peck's We the People teams have triumphed mightily since the start of the program, winning four state titles and otherwise placing second at state competitions and going on to finish in the top 10 eight times, including once as runner-up, at the national competition in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Robert Peck has been a steadfast and devoted mentor to his students, many of whom have been inspired by his courses to go on to work at the General Assembly and the United States Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Robert Peck has been recognized twice with the R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence from the Community Foundation of Richmond and by being named the John Marshall Foundation Educator of the Year, the Virginia Civics Teacher of the Year, a Virginia Lottery Super Teacher, the Coca-Cola National Teacher of the Year, and the 2006 Henrico County Public Schools Gilman Teacher of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Robert Peck will conclude his term as the coach and leader of the Douglas S. Freeman High School We the People program in 2026, which presents an opportunity to reflect upon his remarkable success with the program and to honor the extraordinary impact he has made on so many lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Robert F. Peck hereby be commended for his service and achievements with Douglas S. Freeman High School; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Robert F. Peck as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his contributions to the education of young people in Henrico County and the Commonwealth.