Harold & Carol Secord

Harold and Carol Secord moved from nearby Forest, having lived there in Bedford County for 19 years.  Carol is a native Virginian; Harold was born in Connecticut, but he also spent most of his life in Virginia.  They met in college in Southwest Virginia and settled for 41 years in Prince William County in Northern Virginia.

Careers for each were in education, elements of which have permeated their interests throughout their lives.  As a history major, Harold began teaching in middle school while simultaneously pursuing advanced training in administration and supervision.  He transitioned quickly to administrative positions in elementary education, serving four schools as principal for over 30 years.  Carol began her career as an English teacher in secondary education.  After identifying Reading as a focus of specialty, Carol moved into the areas of curriculum development and staff development.  This involved serving on a team that provided instructional support for teachers to address the needs of students lacking skills for successful learning.  Additionally, the team provided strategies that would help to enhance skills for students ready to move forward with mastery and confidence at a more rigorous pace.

Both have carried career purposes into other facets of their lives through personal interests in reading, utilizing lifetime learning opportunities, travel, and passing learning skills to others, especially grandchildren.  Likewise, enjoyment of sports (especially as spectators to their four grandchildren throughout their formative years and even into competitive college soccer and tennis), exercise groups, choir, church activities, volunteer opportunities—all created opportunities to interact with others in meaningful ways.

They are fortunate to have family nearby.  A daughter and son-in-law live in Forest.  Additionally, a son and family are located in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  Each has two children to provide plenty of adventures for willing grandparents!