Serving with Love, Each and Every Day

Dear RPS Family,

Happy belated Veterans Day to all who are serving and have served — including Board Member Mariah White from the 2nd! Veterans Day always prompts me to think about the people in my life who exemplify what it means “to serve” — from my dad, who was in the Air Force, to my mom, who was a teacher in New York City. In its broadest sense, service is about dedicating oneself to others, which is at the heart of what we do. It’s why our motto is: Teach, Lead, and Serve with Love.

At last night’s School Board meeting, we had the opportunity to honor someone who has served the Richmond community for decades — Coach Richard McFee. Coach McFee had an illustrious career at Huguenot High School, leading the football program for decades. His lifetime record was 154-64, and he was named the Virginia State Coach of the Year twice, in 1988 and 1998. But, what most distinguishes Coach McFee is the impact he had off the field on his players — several of whom came to speak last night.

They testified movingly about the lessons Coach McFee taught them, including having “intestinal fortitude” to tackle any challenge that confronted them. They spoke about how Coach McFee served as a father figure for them and the many ways he inspired them to expand their horizons in life. One of the individuals who submitted a written letter of recognition, a lifetime member of the American Football Colleges Association, wrote: “In 40 years of collegiate coaching, I have not met a man who has had a more positive impact on student-athletes … The values of teamwork, discipline, honor, effort, empathy, passion, and pride were just some of the many pillars of the Falcon program.” Another former player wrote: “I played four years in San Diego for the Chargers, and many of the lessons that I learned from playing football at Huguenot High School under Coach McFee carried me all the way to the pros.”

Last night, in recognition of his lifetime of service to the Falcons, the Board officially named the football field at the Huguenot in his honor. It will henceforth be known as the “Coach Richard McFee III Field.” The vote was especially moving, as Coach McFee was there to receive his flowers and share his gratitude and sharp wit: “Make sure to call it Coach Richard McFee The Third Field, or my grandfather will think they named it after him!”

Coach McFee represents countless others in the RPS family who have Served with Love over the years, changing lives for the better, one young person at a time. On the division’s behalf, I thank them for their service.

With great appreciation,

Jason, Superintendent