Pleasant Valley to dedicate new fitness room to Hixon

On Monday, just before the academic fair, Pleasant Valley School District will honor graduate Chris Hixon by dedicating the new fitness room in his memory.

Hixon, a 1986 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School, was killed on Feb. 14, 2018, during a shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

It has been reported that Hixon was running toward the shooter in an effort to save others when he was mortally wounded, but that he continued to stand guard until police arrived on the scene.

Hixon was the athletic director at Stoneman Douglas, as well as a coach and campus monitor. He spent more than 20 years in education in Broward County, Florida. He received numerous awards throughout his career, and in 2017 he was awarded BCAA Athletic Director of the Year.

Hixon was a veteran, having served in the Navy and Naval Reserves, serving in the Persian Gulf in both Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Hixon was a multi­sport athlete at Pleasant Valley, lettering in football, wrestling and track. He was also awarded the school’s Spirit Award for having the most spirit and dedication to Pleasant Valley.

The dedication ceremony will take place on Monday beginning at 5:50 p.m. in the John S. Mills lobby of the high school.