Bill Text: VA HJR375 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Ross M. Hines.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-10 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ375ER) [HJR375 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HJR375-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Ross M. Hines, an esteemed educator and public servant and a beloved member of the Gloucester County and Newport News communities; died on August 4, 2020; and
WHEREAS, after graduation from Mary Potter-Redstone-Albion Academy in Oxford, North Carolina, Ross Hines received a full football athletic scholarship to North Carolina Central University, where he was captain of the football team and inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Ross Hines earned a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Central University in 1956 and then a master's degree from Michigan State University in 1959; and
WHEREAS, Ross Hines joined Newport News Public Schools as an educator and coach, preparing many young people for bright and successful futures as supervisor of a marketing education program at Huntington High School; and
WHEREAS, Ross Hines demonstrated an ability to lead and inspire others, resulting in promotions to elementary school principal in 1966, then high school principal in 1969, and ultimately to assistant superintendent in 1975, when he became the first African American assistant superintendent in the school division's history; and
WHEREAS, Ross Hines moved to Gloucester in retirement and later served the community as a member of the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors, becoming the first African American to hold the position of chairman in the locality's history in 1998; and
WHEREAS, Ross Hines was an active and engaged member of the community who gave generously of his time to many local civic organizations and commissions, including the Boys Club of Hampton Roads, the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, and more; and
WHEREAS, Ross Hines was co-founder of the Virginia Peninsula Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., helping area youth pursue successful and fulfilling lives through various programs and services; The Ross M. Hines Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the family with the Virginia Peninsula Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., in August 2020; and
WHEREAS, Ross Hines supported myriad youth programs through his involvement with Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., which he served as local chapter president and as regional senior vice president; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Ross Hines enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community as a longtime and devoted member of the First United Baptist Church in Gloucester; and
WHEREAS, Ross Hines is fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Clara; his children, Stephen, Shevawn, Zachary, and Rosilyn; his nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ross M. Hines, a trailblazer and cherished member of the Gloucester County and Newport News communities whose dedication to serving others impacted countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ross M. Hines as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
