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2011 SESSION

11100267D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 509
Offered January 12, 2011
Prefiled November 4, 2010
Celebrating the life of Thomas Clyde McSwain.
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Patron-- Bell, Richard P.
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WHEREAS, Thomas Clyde McSwain, the admired former superintendent of Staunton City Schools, died on April 24, 2010; and

WHEREAS, a native of North Carolina, Thomas McSwain was born on January 1, 1915, to Elam and Annie McSwain and as an active young man, attended Lenoir-Rhyne College on a full athletic scholarship, playing football, baseball, and basketball; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, Thomas McSwain played professional baseball in North Carolina and began his career as an educator and coach in the Rowan County School System; and

WHEREAS, Thomas McSwain interrupted his career during World War II to join the United States Navy and was named commanding officer of a destroyer escort based in Norfolk; he continued his service as a member of the United States Navy Reserves after the war; and

WHEREAS, after his active military service, Thomas McSwain joined the Staunton City Schools as a teacher and coach at R.E. Lee High School, where his teaching experience and professional sports career made him a favorite among students; and

WHEREAS, recognized for his natural leadership abilities, Thomas McSwain moved into administration in 1951 when he opened and served as principal of a new school; and

WHEREAS, an excellent administrator, Thomas McSwain opened and served as principal for two other schools; he received a master’s degree from the University of Virginia before being named assistant superintendent of Staunton City Schools in 1958 and superintendent in 1961; and

WHEREAS, as superintendent, Thomas McSwain was committed to providing all students with the best education possible; he led the integration of the school system and oversaw the construction of several new schools; and

WHEREAS, desiring to make a difference across the Commonwealth, Thomas McSwain also served as president of the Virginia Education Association; and

WHEREAS, after a long and distinguished career, Thomas McSwain was honored by the Staunton City Schools when Northside Elementary School was renamed after him on the occasion of his retirement in 1978; and

WHEREAS, throughout his long and successful life, Thomas McSwain was supported by his loving family including first wife, the late Isabel Anderson McSwain and their two wonderful children, Susan and the late Thomas; and

WHEREAS, Thomas McSwain will be greatly missed by his surviving wife, Theresa McSwain; daughter Susan and her family; stepson Donald and his family; his loving grandchildren; and other family members, friends, and admirers; 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 an admired educator and outstanding Virginian, Thomas Clyde McSwain; 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 Thomas Clyde McSwain as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.