HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 953 Offered February 19, 2007 Commending O. Beverley Roller. ---------- Patrons-- Landes, Cline and Saxman; Senator: Hanger ----------

WHEREAS, O. Beverley Roller is a dedicated public servant, experienced farmer, and former teacher who throughout his life has given selflessly to his community and the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, a native of Weyers Cave in Augusta County, Beverley "Bev" Roller served in the Merchant Marines during World War II, earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture at Virginia Tech in 1949, and went on to teach agricultural education in the Augusta County Public Schools for 23 years; and

WHEREAS, eager to be a voice for his region on the state level, Bev Roller won a seat in the House of Delegates in 1965 and represented the citizens of the 15th District, which included the Counties of Augusta, Highland, and Bath and the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, from 1966 to 1972; and

WHEREAS, Delegate Roller was a respected member of the House of Delegates and served on the House committees on Agriculture, Education, and Privileges and Elections; and

WHEREAS, Bev Roller has been deeply involved in the National FFA Organization (FFA), formerly Future Farmers of America, almost his entire life, serving in leadership roles on the state and national levels and working with local chapters in Augusta County, as well as being a charter member of the FFA Foundation; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his many years as a teacher with the Augusta County Public Schools, Bev Roller served on the Augusta County School Board from 1981 to 1995 and was an area supervisor for agricultural education for over 15 years; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his contributions to agricultural education, Bev Roller has been honored with a number of awards over the years including the Virginia FFA Distinguished Service award, the National Vocational Education Teacher Association Outstanding Service award, the Virginia Tech School of Education Outstanding Alumni award, the Virginia Tech Outstanding Agriculture Alumni award, and a Young Farmer Outstanding Service award; and

WHEREAS, a faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Bev Roller is a keen supporter of the church's many missions and has taught Sunday School there for 44 years, and he has been an active member of the Weyers Cave Ruritan Club for the past 58 years; and

WHEREAS, Bev Roller is a fine example of the importance of public service and being committed to one's community, and he has made a positive impact on the organizations he has supported and the people, young and old, he has taught and worked with throughout his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend O. Beverley Roller for his many years of outstanding service to the citizens of Augusta County and the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to O. Beverley Roller as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for his leadership, wisdom, and experience.