2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 173
Commending Elisha Harris.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 2, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2026
WHEREAS, Elisha Harris is a distinguished educator, mentor, and coach whose more than four decades of service have profoundly impacted students, athletes, and communities throughout the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Norfolk State University with a bachelor's degree in health, physical education, and driver's education and a master's degree in administration and supervision from George Washington University, Elisha “Cadillac” Harris has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education and leadership; and
WHEREAS, Cadillac Harris served with distinction at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Matthew Fontaine Maury High School in Norfolk, Elizabeth City State University, and Norfolk State University, becoming the first African American head football coach in the City of Virginia Beach and earning recognition for his transformational leadership; and
WHEREAS, Cadillac Harris' enduring legacy was formally recognized in 2023 with the renaming of the Green Run High School stadium as the Elisha “Cadillac” Harris Stadium and through numerous honors, including the Virginia Beach Champion of H.O.P.E. Award, the NAACP Champion of Change award, and induction into the Norfolk State University Athletics Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, through mentorship, youth camps, character development programs, and community service, Cadillac Harris has empowered generations of young people to achieve excellence academically, athletically, and personally; now, therefore, be it