WHEREAS, Alvin Dwayne Harkleroad, a respected educator and school administrator who made many contributions to the Highland County community, died on January 14, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Dwayne Harkleroad grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he attended Science Hill High School; a standout athlete and an exceptional student, he served as junior and senior class president, was a member of the all-state football team and an officer in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, and received the 1955 Outstanding Senior award; and

WHEREAS, Dwayne Harkleroad earned associate's and bachelor's degrees at The George Washington University and helped lead the football team to a victory in the 1957 Sun Bowl; he was also a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Phi Delta Kappa honor society; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, Dwayne Harkleroad enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country on active duty and subsequently as a member of the reserves until 1966; he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Maryland, where he also conducted doctoral studies; and

WHEREAS, certified in multiple areas of education, Dwayne Harkleroad worked as a principal for Fairfax County Public Schools and received several awards for his achievements in service to students and the community; and

WHEREAS, Dwayne Harkleroad relocated to Highland County in 1987 and continued to work in education as a principal and as superintendent of Highland County Public Schools and Bath County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement in 1999, Dwayne Harkleroad enjoyed spending time with his family at his home in Highland County and at his ranch in Utah; and

WHEREAS, Dwayne Harkleroad volunteered his time and leadership as a member of the Stonewall Ruritan Club and as the longtime president of the Bath-Highland Radio Committee; he played a vital role in the establishment of the WVLS studio at Highland High School and the WCHG studio at Bath County High School; and

WHEREAS, guided by his deep Christian faith throughout his life, Dwayne Harkleroad enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregations of Highland Baptist Church in Highland County and Valley Christian Fellowship in Utah; he was also an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church and had served as treasurer of Clifton Presbyterian Church in Fairfax County; and

WHEREAS, Dwayne Harkleroad will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 60 years, Jo-Ann; his children, Franny and Leon, and their families; and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Alvin Dwayne Harkleroad; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Alvin Dwayne Harkleroad as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.