By Debbie Adams
student) Israel Hairston by recognizing him in the Congressional Record last July. Cline visited
Vinton on March 13 to present Hairston a plaque with the words from the Record. Pictured left
to right are head football coach Brad Lutz, Hairston’s parents Chrisopher and Keevie Hairston,
Israel, Congressman Cline, and WBHS Principal Travis Anderson. (photo by Debbie Adams)
William Byrd High School graduate Israel Hairston (Class of 2024) received numerous awards
during his senior year for his accomplishments both academically and as a student athlete in
football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was named Class 3 VHSL Scholar Athlete of the
Year, the Blue Ridge District Offensive Player of the Year, the Region 3D Offensive Player of
the Year and 2nd Team All-State. He helped lead the Terriers to their first-ever state semi-final
game and regional title, winning 12 games in a season.
Byrd’s head football coach Brad Lutz says that Hairston has rewritten the history book at Byrd,
holding the record for most passing yards in a career, most passing touchdowns in a career, and
most passing yards in a season.
He was a multi-sport athlete while earning a 4.16 GPA, taking advanced and dual enrollment
classes. He was named by the faculty at William Byrd as “Best All-Around Male” in the Class of
2024 and by the staff and student body as Homecoming King. He was also the winner of the
prestigious 2024 B’nai B’rith Athletic and Achievement Award. Israel has been a member of the
Beta Club, active in his church, and a volunteer with many community organizations, including
rec league sports.
On May 22, 2024, Hairston signed his national letter of intent with Virginia Tech as a “preferred
walk-on” in the football program and as an engineering student.
In July 2024, he had the rare honor of receiving national recognition in the United States House
of Representatives, with his name and achievements read into the Congressional Record by
Congressman Ben Cline, who represents the Sixth District.
On March 13, Congressman Cline honored Hairston at William Byrd with the presentation of a
plaque recognizing his achievements and displaying the words that were read into the
Congressional Record.
The plaque states: “I am honored to recognize the outstanding achievements of Israel Hairston
from Vinton. A standout graduate of William Byrd High School, Israel’s leadership on the
football field and in academics is truly commendable. He not only brought home the school’s
first regional football title but also earned the prestigious title of Class 3 Virginia High School League Foundation Achievement Award Scholar Athlete of the Year for his exemplary high
school career. Israel’s commitment to excellence and dedication is further exemplified by his
upcoming enrollment in Virginia Tech to play football for the Hokies. I congratulate Israel on a
job well done and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Israel is the son of Keevie and Christopher Hairston. His mother said, “Israel is continuing with
engineering at Virginia Tech. He will choose his area of concentration as civil engineering at the
end of the spring semester. He did not play in a football game this fall and red-shirted. He
practiced in the fall at cornerback. Israel was one of the Hokie Stone Players of the Week prior to
the game against UVA on Thanksgiving weekend. He has been moved to receiver and will play
that position during Spring ball. Israel was recognized with other student-athletes at the women’s
basketball game against Cal during halftime on February 23 for making the Athletic Director’s
Honor Roll with a 3.28 GPA.”
Coach Lutz gifted Congressman Cline with two football jerseys in return– one a Terrier No. 40
and one a Military Tribute jersey in memory of Army SPC. Bucky Anderson, who lost his life in
Afghanistan in 2010. The Terriers play in memory of fallen soldiers at each game and on Soldier
Tribute Night.
