The legacy of Dick Tyson, a transformative figure in driver education, continues to resonate in Newport News, Virginia, following his passing in December 2022 at the age of 88. Tyson, who dedicated over 54 years to Newport News Public Schools (NNPS), was instrumental in establishing a renowned driver education program known for its excellence both locally and nationally.
Tyson’s journey began in 1969 when he became the first driver education supervisor for Newport News. The anecdote surrounding his initial certification is both amusing and indicative of the era. Dwayne Peters, a former student and colleague, shared that Tyson’s test involved a simple drive from Ferguson High School to Warwick High School, covering approximately one mile. After completing the route, Tyson was informed, “You passed.” This marked the humble beginnings of a career that would reshape driver education in the region.
A Legacy of Excellence in Driver Education
Under Tyson’s leadership, the driver education program flourished, earning numerous accolades at the regional, state, and national levels. His commitment to quality education transformed driver training from a low-priority discipline into a respected academic program. Al Dorner, a former athletic director, emphasized Tyson’s impact, stating, “You can go up and down the East Coast, and the Newport News driver education program is renowned for its quality. His driver education program is a model.”
Tyson’s influence extended beyond the classroom. Initially a health and physical education teacher, he also coached the boys’ varsity basketball team at Ferguson for four seasons. Despite facing tough competition from local high schools, he cherished his team’s achievements, particularly a memorable victory against the Newport News team led by coach Charlie Woollum.
After serving as the director of athletics for 23 years, Tyson’s sense of humor was evident in his daily interactions. He once informed Wayne Lett, the NNPS assistant superintendent, about his plans to construct a planter at Todd Stadium featuring native Virginia plants. Lett later discovered that one of the plants was tobacco, which led to a light-hearted exchange given the city’s consideration of a “no smoking” ordinance at the time.
Transforming Driver Education into a Life-Saving Discipline
Tyson’s passion for driver safety shaped his vision for education. Former NNPS assistant superintendent Harvey Perkins, who was also a student of Tyson’s, remarked that Tyson elevated driver education from an “afterthought” to a premier program in the state. Perkins explained, “He realized he was teaching life skills. There wasn’t any kid he overlooked.”
Tyson’s advocacy for driver education included persuading the city council to construct a state-of-the-art driving range, complete with an observation tower and a skid pad. This facility offered students invaluable real-world experience, equipping them to handle challenging driving situations. Perkins noted, “I don’t know of anybody around who had a skid pad for high school kids to learn how to deal with losing control in a slippery environment.”
The program’s success was also attributed to Tyson’s recruitment of instructors from diverse educational backgrounds, ensuring that students received comprehensive training. Recently, 35 colleagues gathered to honor Tyson’s memory and share their favorite stories about him. Lett reflected on the occasion, stating, “It was a joyful and respectful remembrance of a life well-lived in helping kids and adults learn to be safe.”
As Newport News continues to celebrate the legacy of Dick Tyson, his contributions to driver education remain a significant chapter in the history of the city’s educational achievements. His pioneering work not only transformed local programs but also set a standard for driver education across the nation.
