Geraldine Courtney

Class of 1950 is a graduate of Virginia State College (VSU) and Columbia University. She began her professional career as a teacher at her former grade school, Aberdeen Elementary. She later became an Assistant Principal and a Principal.

She was appointed Hampton’s first Director of Elementary Education. She was a Critic Teacher at Hampton University.

 She was nominated by her peers and was selected Virginia’s National Distinguished Principal by members of the National Principals Association.

She was recognized as an Outstanding Educator by the Commonwealth of Virginia General Assembly. 

Princess Robinson Facen

Colonel, USA (Ret), class of 1966 was a Cheerleader and a member of the Modern Dance Group while at Phenix. She received her Associate in Applied Science Nursing Degree from Thomas Nelson Community College in 1972; and in 1978, her Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from Hampton University.

After working in the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital for eight years, she joined the Army Nurse Corps, subsequently serving 28 years and obtaining the rank of Colonel. During this period she obtained a masters degree in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University, 1984; a Masters in Nursing Administration and a Certificate in Nursing Education from George Mason University in 1990.

She held various executive levels, supervisory and managerial positions while serving in the U.S. and abroad to include Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; 121st Evacuation Hospital, Korea; Hanau Health Clinic, Germany; Task Force Med Eagle, Bosnia Herzegovina; Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii; and the Combat Support Hospital in Honduras. 

Emory Turner

Emory was affectionately known as Shug. He had a charismatic character and always had a smile on his face. Shug graduated with honors from Phenix High School in 1956 and was voted the most outstanding student by his peers.

Shug, along with a handful of students, set a historical precedence as the first “Negro” students to take the National College Entrance Examination. He was the first recipient of the J. Dett Marshburn Scholarship. He was awarded a full academic scholarship to Purdue University but he elected instead to accept a full athletic scholarship to play football.

Shug taught Biology and Physical Education as well as coached football and track Phenix. In 1968 his football team won the V. I. A. Eastern District Football Championship and he was named the V. I. A. Coach of the Year. 

He served as Assistant Principal at Caroline High School; principal at King George Middle School; Vice Chairman of Spotsylvania County School Board, Assessor for George Mason University; and the State Local Health benefits Advisory Board (appointed by Virginia Governors Wilder and Baliles).