VIA Heritage Association (VIAHA) 2023 Hall of Fame Class and Banquet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 13, 2023 

Submit questions and comments.

2023 VIAHA Hall of Fame Class Chosen 

Ninth HOF Class features nine inductees

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Nine individuals who have made outstanding contributions through high school, college, and professional careers have been selected for induction into the 2023 class of the Virginia Interscholastic Association Heritage Association (VIAHA) Hall of Fame (HOF).

The inductees are as follows.

Athletes: Carl B. Jackson (Burley HS, Charlottesville); Rev. Dr. Eric McCaskill (Huntington HS, Newport News); Alvin Nelson Puryear (Phenix HS, Hampton) and Douglas M. Smith (Phenix HS, Hampton).

Coaches: Thomas Hooker (Southside HS, Dinwiddie); Louis Johnson Parker (Gray HS, Alexandria) and Walter Rock Greene (Burley HS, Charlottesville).

Contributors: Mary W. Jackson (Phenix HS, Hampton), and Frank J. Smith (Armstrong HS, Richmond).

Members of the class of 2023 will bring the total membership to 99.

The VIAHA Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville (VA).                                                                                                                                         

The HOF is dedicated to recognizing and preserving the rich heritage and legacy of African American students and adults who participated in the Virginia Interscholastic Association (VIA) from 1954-70 and its predecessor organization, the Virginia Interscholastic Association League (VIAL). Therefore, promoting greater appreciation for and understanding of the contributions of African Americans to the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia is the primary objective of the VIAHA.

Before public school desegregation, one of the most influential organizations in Virginia was the VIA, which severed young African American students who attended segregated high schools. The impact this association had on shaping the lives of these students went far beyond governing athletic events. The VIA brought together students, parents, and mentors to develop a strong foundation of character and ethical responsibility in the students. The notable careers of many VIA graduates are testament to the successful efforts of their teachers, principals, and counselors. More information about the VIA can be found at http://viastory.org.

Athletes and coaches considered for nomination excelled on VIA and VIAL athletic teams.

Contributors are professionals who excelled in VIA and VIAL non-athletic activities such as school administration, media, officiating, medical services, and other professions.

The VIA/VIAL’s original home was at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). After merging with the Virginia High School League (VHSL), all VIA records are now stored at Virginia State University.

The deadline for submitting nominations for the Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is September 30, 2023.