THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 12, 1995 TAG: 9504110125
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
When Donald Harvey's Caribbean vacation ended last week, he didn't have time for any post-holiday letdown.
He was met at the airport by a group of cheering students, parents and teachers carrying signs announcing he had been named Virginia Beach Secondary Principal of the Year.
``I didn't know a thing about it. It was the best homecoming I ever had,'' said the Virginia Beach Middle School principal. ``If you have to end a vacation, that's a good way to do it.''
Harvey, who has been working with middle schoolers for more than 20 years, says the kids are great. ``Sometimes they're trying,'' he admitted, ``but certainly never dull.''
Full name: Donald L. Harvey.
Hometown: Newport News.
What brought you to the Beach? A teaching position at First Colonial High School.
Birthdate: July 27, 1947.
Occupation: Principal, Virginia Beach Middle School.
Nickname: Don.
Marital status: Married to Becky for 28 years.
Children: One son, Donnie, 26.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? A day at Chesapeake Beach followed by dinner and a movie.
Favorite movies: ``A Man for All Seasons,'' ``It's a Wonderful Life,'' ``A Christmas Carol.''
Favorite meal: Grilled grouper.
Last smart thing you did: Gave up a house with big yard for a house at Chicks Beach (no yard).
Last dumb thing you did: Lost scuba ``dive buddy'' (Becky) at Cozumel.
Favorite song: ``The Good Old Song'' after touchdowns at University of Virginia.
Last book read: ``Smart Exercise,'' ``Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus.''
Hobbies: Scuba diving, running, remedial skiing, exercise.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Learn to relax and not take every task in life as a 100-yard dash.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? You can't improve on ``perfect.''
Secret vice: Tootsie Roll Pops.
Favorite restaurant: Anchor Inn, Croakers, the Wharf on Grand Cayman.
Your favorite night on the town: Dinner and movies with Gregors.
Favorite TV shows: ``Seinfeld,'' ``Friends,'' ``48 Hours.''
Favorite sport: U.Va. football.
Last vacation: Diving at Grand Cayman.
Pets: Two Himalayan cats, Chessie and Missy.
Worst job: Plasterer's helper for half a day. I came home for lunch looking like Casper the Ghost and didn't go back.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My marriage, a great son and being principal of the Very Best Middle School (VBMS)
What would you like as your epitaph? ``Out of sight, out of mind!'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINGSWORTH
by CNB