SLS 23RS-2328 ORIGINAL
2023 Regular Session
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 155
BY SENATOR MORRIS
COMMENDATIONS. Commends and congratulates Shelby Ainsworth on the occasion of
his retirement as principal from West Monroe High School.
1 A RESOLUTION
2 To commend and congratulate Shelby Ainsworth on the occasion of his retirement as
3 principal of West Monroe High School.
4 WHEREAS, Mr. Ainsworth's early educational career began as a teacher and coach
5 at four schools; he has worked as an educator for thirty-six years and served fifteen years as
6 assistant principal of West Monroe High School in West Monroe, Louisiana, before being
7 appointed its principal in 2014; and
8 WHEREAS, after spending one year at Ouachita Parish Junior High School, six years
9 at Ouachita Parish High School, two years at West Ouachita High School, and twenty-seven
10 years at West Monroe High School, where he also served as assistant principal, Mr.
11 Ainsworth demonstrated his value and earned the role of principal; and
12 WHEREAS, during his college days, Mr. Ainsworth initially pursued a major in
13 agribusiness to emulate his father, but his life took a dramatic turn when he became a coach
14 at Northeast Louisiana University, now the University of Louisiana Monroe; he became
15 deeply inspired by the transformative impact of the coach-player bond, and shifted his focus
16 to become an educator; and
17 WHEREAS, serendipitously, as Mr. Ainsworth's family contemplated ways for him
18 to maintain his career in education while prioritizing family time, the dilemma was solved
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1 with his appointment as principal of West Monroe High School in 2014 by Ouachita Parish
2 School Superintendent Bob Webber; and
3 WHEREAS, his steadfast conviction in the profound influence wielded by teachers,
4 coaches, and instructors have on their high school students served as the driving force behind
5 his exemplary leadership as principal for more than 2000 eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and
6 twelfth graders; and
7 WHEREAS, Kirk Frantom, the sports medicine coordinator for the school district
8 and athletic trainer at West Monroe High School lauded Principal Ainsworth's unwavering
9 leadership and friendship, skillfully fostering an environment that uplifts and empowers the
10 faculty and staff while respecting the expertise and intellect of each individual; and
11 WHEREAS, Principal Ainsworth, characterized as knowledgeable, responsible, and
12 supportive, culminates his career with exceptional achievement scores recognized by the
13 Louisiana Department of Education, boasting a Grade Level Graduation Index score of 98.7,
14 an ACT Index/College and Career Readiness score of 71.6, and an impressive Strength of
15 the Diploma Index score of 103.9, attesting to his outstanding cohort graduation data
16 certification; and
17 WHEREAS, the report card for West Monroe High School showcases an impressive
18 "A" grade in overall performance, encapsulating the school's exceptional charge in
19 effectively preparing students for advanced studies, mastery of essential content, notable
20 growth compared to the previous year, and successful transition into the subsequent
21 academic year; and
22 WHEREAS, the West Monroe High School Rebel Football Program presented
23 Principal Ainsworth with another historic season to be remembered during their annual
24 rivalry game against the Ouachita Parish High School Lions, adding to the pivotal moment
25 when the West Monroe High School Rebels were recognized as one of the preeminent
26 football teams in the state of Louisiana, boasting an illustrious history with twenty-five
27 consecutive appearances in the Class 5A postseason play, along with eight state
28 championships and two national titles; and
29 WHEREAS, with unending support, Mr. Ainsworth has nurtured student interests
30 with a diverse twenty plus extra-curricular activities, which have all proven effectual, from
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1 the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps to the Biology Club, and from Future
2 Farmers of America to Junior Civitans, to the National Honor Society and Science and
3 Robotics, and they have achieved remarkable feats, notably, the Rebel Band has upheld a
4 longstanding tradition of superior ratings at marching festivals and concerts since 1966, with
5 prestigious invitations to perform in United States Presidential parades, the London New
6 Year's Day Parade in Westminster, United Kingdom, and securing top ten positions in their
7 last five appearances at the Louisiana Showcase of Marching Bands; and
8 WHEREAS, the West Monroe High School Rebel Choir, comprised of a talented
9 ensemble of one hundred twenty students, has consistently demonstrated musical prowess,
10 boasting an uninterrupted series of superior ratings while embarking on captivating tours
11 across Italy, Europe, and Austria, in addition to receiving a coveted invitation to perform at
12 the illustrious Carnegie Hall in New York, New York; and
13 WHEREAS, Principal Ainsworth, as an esteemed servant leader, embodies the core
14 principles of selfless service, actively believing in and exemplifying a set of behaviors and
15 practices that prioritize the well-being and progress of others, fostering the creation and
16 sustenance of flourishing societies, and he shares these qualities through his roles as a church
17 deacon and life-group teacher by fortifying scriptural fellowship and growth at First West
18 Church in West Monroe, Louisiana; and
19 WHEREAS, in honor of Mr. Ainsworth's well-earned retirement, a celebratory
20 gathering is planned for June 7, 2023, to recognize his commitment to inclusive educational
21 environments that nurture curiosity, empower educators and students to achieve their utmost
22 capabilities regardless of trial or triumphs, and consistently explore innovative methods in
23 the pursuit of learning, all to shape a prosperous and promising future for all; and
24 WHEREAS, Mr. Shelby Ainsworth, as the epitome of servant leadership, leaves
25 behind an exceptional legacy of educational brilliance and a heartfelt commitment to the
26 welfare of every student, teacher, staff member, friend, and family by cultivating a culture
27 of generosity that will remain in the corridors of West Monroe High School, resonate on
28 every field of innovation, and echo through the platforms of motivation he ignited, inspiring
29 everyone to joyfully pass the torch of kindness and support.
30 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
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1 commend and congratulate Mr. Shelby Ainsworth on the occasion of his retirement as
2 principal of West Monroe High School and every West Monroe Rebel encouraged by his
3 hand and heart.
4 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
5 Principal Shelby Ainsworth.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Michelle B. Johnson.
DIGEST
SR 155 Original 2023 Regular Session Morris
Commends and congratulates Shelby Ainsworth on the occasion of his retirement as
principal of West Monroe High School.
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