THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 15, 1994 TAG: 9407130127
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY XIAOHONG ZHANG SWAIN, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Harry C. Paxson Jr., known among locals as ``Mr. Education'' and the ``Miracle Man,'' was praised for his investment in the city by Gov. George F. Allen.
``You are a model of what a true Virginian should be and a Virginian ought to be,'' said Allen, a Republican and former Jaycee. ``You remind me of (Thomas) Jefferson, an individual who devoted much of his talents, his time and his resources helping out his community in this state and our founding nation, as well as others outside the nation.''
Allen spoke at a dinner last Thursday honoring Paxson as Chesapeake's First Citizen. The award is given annually by the Great Bridge Jaycees.
After Allen's speech, state Sen. Mark L. Earley, R-Chesapeake, presented a surprise to Paxson - a copy of a resolution passed by the state Senate and House of Delegates recognizing Paxson as the city's First Citizen.
Paxson, 88, is known for his coaching success at South Norfolk High School. He also is credited as a school leader who helped ease two big transitions: integration and the merger of South Norfolk and Norfolk County schools.
As a youth, he attended South Norfolk High School, playing right guard for the football team that won the 1925 Class B state championship. He continued to play football at the College of William and Mary.
After his graduation, Paxson returned to South Norfolk High to coach football, baseball and basketball. Both his baseball and basketball teams won state championships in 1935.
In the process, he coached some of the city's most prominent leaders. Chesapeake Circuit Judge William L. Forbes was one of Paxson's bat boys.
``His enthusiasm was contagious,'' Forbes said at the dinner and awards ceremony. ``He had more impact on young people than any one of us.''
Paxson went on to become South Norfolk High's assistant principal in 1940 and then head of the Norfolk County Recreational Department. He was the assistant personnel superintendent of Norfolk County schools before the locality merged with South Norfolk in 1963.
He retired from the Chesapeake school system, where he had continued as assistant personnel superintendent, in 1972.
Paxson is still known as ``Uncle Harry'' to his large extended family of friends.
``I know many people,'' he said. ``I went to high school with some of them. I makes me feel so good to see them.''
At the ceremony, Paxson stood in the hallway of the Holiday Inn in Greenbrier, greeting the 270 guests one by one. Dressed in a dark gray pin-stripe suit adorned with a white carnation corsage, his weathered face blushed and his eyes sparkled in excitement.
``Good to see you, my friends,'' Paxson said heartily to each guest. ``Good to see you.''
``You're so special,'' a friend said.
In his acceptance speech, Paxson was modest. His humble comments sparked laughter among the guests.
``I don't know what to say,'' he said. ``I'm the oldest person ever receiving that award, so don't expect much.''
At the end, Paxson credited his achievements to others.
``If I have had any opportunity to positively touch your lives in any small way, I'd like to say thank you,'' said Paxson. by CNB