Rocky Gap School - Rogahi Yearbook (Rocky Gap, VA)

Page 8 text:

IN REMEMBRANCE OF VICTOR SUPERINTENDENT In 1949 there came to Bland County a man destined to change the lives of many young people who passed through his classes or under his direction as a teacher, coach, principal, and later under his hand guiding the state of school affairs of Bland County. This man was Victor Gilly. He was born November 30, 1915, in Ravenna, Ohio, son of Nazarenna and Hazel Gilly. His twin sister is Edith. He was educated in the public schools of Ravenna, graduating from Ravenna Township High School. He graduated with a B. S. Degree in Physical Education from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio. He earned his Masters Degree from VPI in 1962. On April 1, 1942, he was married to Dorothy Shrader of Rocky Gap. On April 3, 1947, their daughter Paula Sue was born. In July of 1942 he volunteered in the Army of the United States. He attended Officer's Training School and became a Second Lieutenant, later he was advanced to First Lieutenant. He came out of the service in 1946 as a Captain. Thirty-four months were spent overseas during which time he won five battle stars. He was a loyal American. In 1949 he and his family were visiting Dorothy's family in Rocky Gap. While here he decided to apply for a teaching position in Bland County. He was hired by Superintendent R. P. Reynolds as a physica' educa- tion teacher and coach at Bland High School. He was dedicated to having his students give their best per- formance and his basketball and baseball teams win by honest, hard work and clean sportsmanship. In 1952 he became principal of Bland High School. He had a kind word and a friendly smile for each student, teacher, and other employees under his supervision. His long hours of untiring service made him a successful administrator. Ten years as principal won for him the respect of the Bland County School Board. When Superintendent James O. Morehead accepted a position in Prince George County, Virginia, Victor was elected to fill the unexpired term on June 22, 1962. He assumed duties on July 1, 1962. Victor proved him- self to have the necessary qualifications for an efficient administration by the many services he rendered to the students, teachers and all personnel. Probably his own statement on that eventful day set the stage for the fourteen years he was to serve as superintendent and chief administrator of Bland County Schools. He said, My major concern will be to do what I can for the youngsters. I don't mind cutting costs if it doesn’t hurt the children's education. He worked well with the School Board in putting this part of his philosophy to work. In March of 1965 he was appointed to his first full four year term as Superintendent. He was appointed again in 1969 a’nd 1973. It was while serving this appointment his Master chose to call him to a better realm of Duty—on September 30, 1976, he answered that call. A friend and neighbor remarked after his passing, There will never be another Superintendent who will make it his business to know the names of so many students in the schools as did Victor Gilly. •• He really loved to call even the little ones by name. Daily, Victor sought strength, wisdom, patience, guidance, cooperation, the ability to solve the ever increasing problems, from his Master Teacher so that he could continue to provide the best basic educational opportunities available to his children. Each child held a special place in his heart. He would often say, Teach them to read, to write, to spell, and to do basic Math and they will become good citizens. Ora Gray Stowers. R. GILLY, 4

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OPEN YOUR EYES Open your eyes that you may see The beauty that around you lies. The misty loveliness of the dawn, The glowing colors of the skies; The child's bright eager eyes of blue. The gnarled and wrinkled face of age, The bird with crimson on his wing Whose spirit never knew a cage; The roadsides' blooming goldenrod So brave through summer's wind and heat. The brook that rushes to the sea With courage that naught may defeat. Open your eyes that you may see The wonder that around you lies; It will enrich your every day And make you glad and kind and wise. Emma Boge Whisenand

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 Hello, darkness, my old friend I've come to talk to you again Because a vision softly creeping Left its seeds while I was sleeping And the vision that was planted in my brain still remains Within the sound of silence. Paul Simon Student Involvement