Today, final farewells were said to a vital member of the AHS community.

The memorial service for Ralph E. Buckley, the first principal of AHS, was held today at the Little River United Church of Christ.

He passed away on July 17 at age 95 after staying in Inova Hospital for a month. Buckley is attributed to having played a significant role in helping build AHS into the school it is today.

He not only hired all staff members for the school, but designed most of the curriculum as well. He was quoted recently as saying that his time serving the AHS community was “precious.”

After being principal for twelve years, Buckley left AHS to serve as Assistant Superintendent for Fairfax County. He retired in 1976.

Even after retiring, Buckley stayed committed to the education of others by serving as a weekend administrator at Northern Virginia Community College.

He also kept busy by staying involved with his church and being a member of the Lions Club.

Although Buckley’s physical light may no longer shine, the positive impact he left on the AHS community will never fade.