The Arrow
OHA Students Receive Scholarships President’s Message Graduation 2011
Alumni Weekend Ussery Archives Dedication
Summer 2011
2011-2012 Student Leadership Appointments
2011-2012 Honor Court Appointments
Sofia Beishline Kristi Buckner Kyle Claud David Grams Marius Hoetzel Chase Jones In Hye Jung Julie Jung Kelsey Kyle Jonathan Nuwanyakpa
Patrick Boulee
Kandice “Daisy” Ball Jiaqi Chen Caroline Curran Marius Hoetzel Victor Ieronymides Chase Jones Julie Jung Jonathan Nuwanyakpa
The Arrow is published by the Development Office of Oak Hill Academy and is distributed to alumni and friends of the Academy.
Oak Hill Academy • 2635 Oak Hill Rd Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 276-579-2619 • www.oak-hill.net
About the Cover The Oak Hill Academy Class of 2011 celebrates their graduation!
2011 Honor Graduates - Dante Taylor, Sam Toma, Mallory Jones, Keith Hornsby, and Haley Weaver
President Dr. Michael D. Groves Board of Trustees Rev. Robert Bailey Mr. Kenny Bowen – ‘78 Mrs. Bonnie Burke – P’07 Mr. Larry Conner Mrs. Lisa Dockery Rev. John Duvall Mrs. Sidney Rose Fant Mr. Marshall Frank – P’08 Mr. Dennis Gambill Mrs. Susie Garner Mr. Don Gibson Mr. Rex Halsey – ‘55 Mr. Rodney Halsey Dr. Thomas Harvey Mr. Donald Hasler – ‘66 Mrs. Sally Kimble – P’00 Dr. Wayne Landsman – P’06 Mr. M. A. Lunsford -P’85 Mr. Marty Parks Mr. George Pelton – ‘67 Mr. William Plummer – ‘55 Mr. Carl Rosberg Mr. Jim Tapp Dr. Dennis Throckmorton Mr. Taylor Vaughan Mr. Harold Wingate P - Parent of OHA Alumnus
President’s Message
Dr. Groves at the year end picnic Speaking in a Turner Gymnasium packed full of parents, family members, and OHA faculty, staff, students, and trustees, I looked upon the fifty prospective graduates and announced “By the authority vested in me by The Virginia Association of Independent Schools and the Oak Hill Academy Board of Trustees I hereby confer upon you a high school diploma, with all of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities granted therein.” Then, one by one, the students were called by name to come forward, shake my hand and receive their longanticipated degree. Befitting the formality of the occasion, my forty word pronouncement serves as a sort of preamble to the physical possession of the diploma. As the future alumni (nervous and excited) rise to their feet and hear my words, an unspoken sentiment fills the room. It’s almost palpable … so it all comes down to this. It seems as if all of the hard work crystallizes precisely in this moment—right here, right now. Can a year on “the hill” really be distilled so succinctly, something akin to a math formula?
Forty words + one deserving student = one High School Diploma Hardly. There is so much more to “the moment” than a few words, a formula, or even to a single piece of paper (albeit a very important piece of paper!). As the late Paul Harvey would say, “and now, the rest of the story.” A student receiving a high school diploma at Oak Hill Academy entails a level of commitment from many. With the initial contact to our school, former teachers provide recommendations, school counselors submit transcripts. An on-campus visit and interview initiates and defines the connection that ensues, a delicate relationship wherein our school—with its unique blend of structure and nurture— addresses the individual needs of the student while working from a distance with the family. Upon enrollment, orientation, and the first few weeks “settling in” process we begin to notice a subtle change in pronoun usage: For OHA, the new student becomes our student; for the student, this new school becomes my school and these kids become my friends.
Relationships build, hurdles are managed, and—students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and the school—we all journey together through the academic year. The weather turns colder and time-honored traditions of our school begin to weave daily with the lives of our students. We are learning, preparing for college, living together, growing, and communicating. Our school’s mission blends intentionally with our student’s development, “The Turning Point” our parents so desperately sought upon enrollment evolves steadily, from hopeful to real. Sometimes, as the days on the hill grow into weeks and months, it seems as if the students are perhaps unaware of how much more successful they are becoming. The change we see is equally natural and remarkable. The structured beginning of morning assembly time becomes as routine as the informal hanging out with friends on the deck of Alumni Campus Store. Classes, study times, sports, clubs, special assemblies, Warrior Weekends, socials, worship, meals, and end-of-year awards programs fill the calendar and round out the daily schedules of our students. The temperatures are now warm again, a year passes and—remarkably—132 year-old traditions are readily embraced by tech-savvy teenagers: the chiming of an historic bell, the signing of a senior plaque, the turning of a tassel. And on May 21, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. we find ourselves, the year on “the hill” nearly complete, sitting together for Commencement Exercises—waiting for those key words … “I hereby confer upon you a high school diploma …” A significant moment? Absolutely. A time for reflection? Of course. Representative of the entire story? Not even close. The story of our graduating seniors and our school is much larger than any single phrase, mathematic formula, or precise moment. It involves a student, a family, a school, a community, a year of hard work, and 132 years of faith-inspired traditions. And now, with a nod to our fifty new alumni, it is time to do it again. More lives are waiting for a “Turning Point.” Year 133 at Oak Hill Academy begins right now. May God Bless, Michael D. Groves President
ALUMNI WEEKEND 2011 (Tentative Schedule) Friday, July 15th
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Early registration for returning alums Alumni
“Welcome Home” reception at Alumni Campus Store
Saturday, July 16th
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Reunion registration
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Alumni meeting in Fletcher Chapel – class photos to follow
11:00 a.m. – noon Campus tours – led by current students and staff 12:00 noon Lunch and social time in Vaughan Dining Hall 2:00 p.m.
Ussery Archives Room Dedication and gathering for tolling of the Academy Bell in memory of those who have passed (followed by ice cream social for alumni and families, current students, faculty and staff at the Alumni Campus Store)
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Noonkester Park open for swimming, hiking, trail rides, etc.
6:00 p.m.
Reunion dinner, silent auction, and party at Mississippi Pavilion in Noonkester Park
*President’s message, music, and dancing
Sunday, July 17th
9:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Alumni brunch at picnic shelter on lawn of Hough Dormitory
11:00 a.m. Worship service at Young’s Chapel Baptist Church **Event locations subject to change due to weather, etc.
ALUMNI NEWS Janice Smith Allen – ‘75 8043 Saint Anne’s Court Alexandria, VA 22309 Ruth Hodges – ‘93 1294B Simms Road Standardsville, VA 22973 Ruth has started a new job and is engaged to Wade Rucker. DEATHS Ruth Hash Phipps – ‘34 Gay Pugh Balas – ‘38 Helen Addington Collins – ‘44 Charles Hoffman – ‘44 Rev. Raymond Midgette – ‘48 Iva Daniel Staton – ‘52 Rev. John Gindlesperger – ‘56 Stratton R. Colonna – ‘61 Robert Gray – ‘65NG Nolen Ross Cofield – ‘68 Eric Edward Johnson – ‘77 Martha Derring Sturgill – ‘77
Matt Leatherman - ‘85
Lester Halsey Named Trustee Emeritus Mr. Lester Halsey was recently named as a Trustee Emeritus by the Oak Hill Academy Board of Trustees. Mr. Halsey is a 1938 graduate of the Academy as well as a former parent and faculty member. He also faithfully served on the Board of Trustees for over 40 years. The Academy can never fully express to Mr. Halsey our appreciation for his support through the years. On behalf of the Board, Dr. Michael Groves presented Mr. Halsey a plaque with the following inscription: The Title of Trustee Emeritus is Hereby Bestowed Upon Mr. Lester H. Halsey in Recognition of His Outstanding Service and Dedication to Oak Hill Academy Oak Hill Academy Board of Trustees May 2011
Mrs. Linda Isner Mrs. Linda Isner passed away on January 9, 2011, at the age of 85. She and her husband, the late Robert Isner, served Oak Hill Academy from 1966 until their retirement in 1986. Mrs. Isner was a teacher, mentor, and counselor to many students during her time at the Academy. A memorial service was held on January 21 at the Sparta United Methodist Church. Mrs. Isner is survived by her son David and wife, Jacquelyne; two grandsons, two granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter.
Ussery Archives Room The Ussery Archives Room is now the official home of all Oak Hill Academy’s memorabilia and artifacts. Ms. Laura Bryant, former OHA librarian, has played an integral part in getting 132 years of material organized, catalogued, scanned, preserved and displayed for all to enjoy for generations to come! The official dedication of the Ussery Archives will be held during the Alumni Weekend festivities on July 16, 2011. The idea for the Ussery Archives room was launched during Alumni Weekend five years ago as way to pay tribute to Reverend and Mrs. L.D. Ussery who were intricate parts of Oak Hill Academy, serving the school from 1942 to 1972. Please stop by when you are in the area and enjoy the history of Oak Hill Academy by visiting the Ussery Archives.
Donor Breakfast 2011
The annual Donor Appreciation Breakfast was held graduation morning on the lawn at the Hough Dormitory Picnic Shelter. This event is held each year to honor and thank the members of The Oak Club, The Founders Club, The President’s Club, The Red and Gold Club and the Legacy Associates who support the mission of Oak Hill Academy. Mr. & Mrs. Ernst Warren Stone were recognized as the “Philanthropists of the Year” by Dr. Michael Groves during the breakfast. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are long time supporters of Oak Hill Academy and her mission. Mr. Stone also served as an Oak Hill Academy Trustee for four years. Oak Hill Academy proudly salutes Mr. and Mrs. Ernst Warren Stone.
Parents’ Days 2011 Parents’ Days 2011, held April 21st and 22nd, was a great showcase for Oak Hill Academy’s students. Parents got to witness first hand all of the activities and ways our student body is involved in “life on the hill.” Thursday afternoon’s events included an in-house horse show, a basketball scrimmage and performance by our cheerleaders, recognition of the spring sports teams, and a college application presentation. Everyone then gathered in Vaughan Dining Hall for the Parent/Student Banquet and enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by the Meriwether-Godsey staff. The evening was capped off with music by the OHA chorus and string band and the drama club’s production of “The Drama Club.” Parents attended classes with their children on Friday morning followed by the President’s Forum. There was also an art show throughout the two day event. The annual Parents’ Days silent auction was once again a big success raising just over $7,500 with the proceeds going toward upgrades to our media center. Oak Hill Academy would like to thank all of the parents and supporters who donated and bid on items and made cash contributions to the auction!
Parent’s Association The Oak Hill Academy Parent’s Association is looking for a volunteer(s) to take the reins for the 2011-2012 school year. The Parent’s Association representative works closely with the Development Office to coordinate the annual Parents Days’ silent auction. We encourage and welcome your support!
Graduates receive scholarships and honors The following members of the Class of 2011 were recognized during graduation weekend as receiving academic scholarships. As many of these awards are renewable, these students were offered just over $1,000,000 in assistance! Rosie Al-Hamad – Bethesda, Maryland – Mitchell College (Academic Scholarship); Lynn University (Academic Scholarship) Stephen Asihene – Freehold, New Jersey – La Salle University (Founder’s Scholarship); Rider University (Provost Scholarship); Seton Hall University (University Scholarship); University of Dayton (Dean’s Merit Scholarship) Patrick Calabrese – Wayne, New Jersey – Emory and Henry College (Presidential Scholarship)
Josh Luczynski – North Adams, Massachusetts – Greensboro College (Achievement Award); Lynchburg College (Alumni Award); Thiel College (Thiel Merit Award) Torren McCarthy – Washington, DC – La Salle University (Tuition Exchange Scholarship); Lewis University (Tuition Exchange Scholarship); Seton Hall University (Tuition Exchange Scholarship); Widener University (Tuition Exchange Scholarship) Clevy Nelson-Royster – Richmond, Virginia – College of New Rochelle (Dean’s Scholarship) Stephanie Raborn – Greenville, Pennsylvania – Valley Forge Military College (Valley Forge Merit Award); Wentworth Military College (Full ROTC Scholarship) Dante Taylor – Nassau, Bahamas – Rider University (Rider Assistance Grant, Rider Travel Grant)
The following student-athletes were also recognized for receiving scholarships: Kerri Belcher – Roanoke, Virginia – Lees McRae College Quinn Cook – Washington, DC – Duke University Daniel Gomis – Thies, Senegal – Oregon State University Keith Hornsby – Williamsburg, Virginia – University of North Carolina at Asheville Mallory Jones – Blacksburg, Virginia – St. John’s University Alexius Patterson – Salem, Virginia – High Point University Eliana Scanlon – New York, New York – Gardner-Webb University Kiana Trice-Hill – Raleigh, North Carolina – Virginia Commonwealth University
Andrew Thomas – Azusa Pacific University (Dean’s Scholarship); George Fox University (Stevens Academic Achievement Scholarship; Legacy Award, George Fox Grant) Ryan Childs – Huntsville, Alabama – University of Alabama at Huntsville (Academic Excellence Scholarship) Carlin Ham – Pinehurst, North Carolina – Meredith College (Meredith College Tuition Grant); Peace College (Academic Achievement Merit Award)
Kelsey Wingfield – Eldersburg, Maryland – Carlow University (Carlow Award) Yuejiong Yang – Hangzhou, China – Adelphi University (Adelphi University Business Award); Drexel University (Dean’s Scholarship)
Seungyong Lee – Busan, South Korea – Florida Institute of Technology (Academic Award) David Laney – Maryville, Tennessee – Florida Institute of Technology (Academic Award); Methodist University (Achievement Award); Union University (Alumni Leadership Scholarship, Union University Grant, Union TBC Award); University of Hartford (Academic Merit Scholarship); Wingate University (Academic Achievement Award) Jasmine Lawrence – Brooklyn, New York – Mitchell College (Light House Scholarship); St. Francis College (Achievement Grant)
2011 Junior Marshals The following received a combination academic/athletic scholarship: Chance MacLean – Calgary, Canada – Doane College Caleb Porter – Abingdon, Virginia- King College
College Acceptances 2011 Adelphi University (NY) American University (DC) Asuza Pacific University (CA) Auburn University (AL) Baylor University (TX) Benedict College (SC) Black Hills State University (SD) Bloomsburg University (PA) Bluefield College (VA) Campbell University (NC) Christopher Newport University (VA) Clark-Atlanta University (GA) Clemson University (SC) College of New Rochelle (NY) DePauw University (IN) Doane College (NE) Drexel University (PA) Duke University (NC) East Carolina University (NC) East Stroudsburg University (PA) Eckerd College (FL) Elmhurst College (IL) Elon University (NC) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL) Emory & Henry College (VA) Ferris State University (MI) Florida Institute of Technology Frostburg State University (MD) Gardner-Webb University (NC) George Fox University (OR) George Mason University (VA) Georgia Military College Greensboro College (NC) Guilford College (NC) High Point University (NC) Hampshire College (MA) Hampton University (VA) Indiana University Jackson State University (MS) Johnson C. Smith University (NC) Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Canada) LaSalle University (PA)
Lees-McRae College (NC) Lewis University (IL) Louisburg College (NC) Lynchburg College (VA) Lynn University (FL) Meredith College (NC) Methodist College (NC) Michigan State University Mitchell College (CT) Montreat College (NC) Morehead State University (KY) New Mexico Tech Norfolk State University (VA) North Carolina State University Ohio Valley University (WV) Old Dominion University (VA) Oral Roberts University (OK) Oregon State University Pacific Lutheran University (WA) Peace College (NC) Pepperdine University (CA) Purdue University (IN) Radford University (VA) Rhode Island College Rider University (NJ) Robert Morris University (PA) Rogers Williams University (RI) St. Anselm College (NH) St. Francis College (NY) St. John’s University (NY) St. Joseph’s University (PA) St. Louis University (MO) St. Thomas Aquinas College (NY) Seton Hall University (NJ) Shepherd University (WV) Siena College (NY) Southern Connecticut State University Syracuse University (NY Tennessee Tech Thiel University (PA) Transylvania University (KY) Tuskegee Institute (AL) Union University (TN)
University of Alabama at Huntsville University of Bridgeport (CT) University of California at Berkeley University of California at Davis University of California at Irvine University of California at Los Angeles University of California at Santa Barbara University of Dayton (OH) University of Hartford (CT) University of Illinois at Chicago University of Kentucky University of Mary Washington (VA) University of Nevada at Las Vegas University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown University of Tampa (FL) University of Texas at Austin University of Wisconsin at Madison University of Wyoming Valley Forge Military College (PA) Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech Virginia Union University Wentworth Military College (MO) West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Virginia University Widener University (PA) Wingate University (NC)
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Calling All Oak Hill Alumni and Former Students!!!! In order to get more Oak Hill Academy alumni and former students involved and recognized, the Development Office is launching “The $1.00 Per Year Campaign!”
“The $1.00 Per Year Campaign” is simple! We are asking that you give back to Oak Hill Academy at least $1.00 for every year since your graduation or the last year you attended OHA. Our goal is to increase the number of participants in our Alumni Giving section of the next Arrow which will come out in September. By participating in this campaign you are not only making a monetary contribution to Oak Hill, you are reaffirming your commitment and dedication to your school and its mission to help our students secure a brighter future for themselves.
Our goal is to have at least 500 alumni and former students listed in the next Arrow!
Noonkester Social End of Year Picnic
This year the annual end of school picnic started off with a BANG! Actually, lots of loud bangs along with some great flashes of light and some ice cubes falling from the sky! Yes, the Noonkester Social began in the midst of a thunder storm. The events of the evening started a little late and wet but the Oak Hill spirit was not dampened. The cloud burst passed, the sun peeped out, and the show went on! Always a highlight of the school year, the picnic at Noonkester Park is a great way for students to have a great time and let off some steam before the beginning of “dead week� and final exams. There was something for everyone as the students ate, swam, rode paddle boats, played cards, tried the inflatable obstacle course, and competed in the golf shot contest. The evening ended with everyone around a bonfire reminiscing about the school year while anticipating the end of classes and graduation.
Wish List Other Giving Opportunities (partial list)
Are You Interested in Filling a Specific Need at Oak Hill Academy?
Alumni Campus Store Tile
$500
Memorial Oak Tree
Current Giving Opportunities
Named Display Case for Ussery Archives Room
Musics Stands (5 needed – 5 have been purchased!) $40 each
Named Scholarship Fund
DVD Players - all have been purchased!
Faculty Professional Development Fund
$50 each
Digital SLR Cameras for Yearbook Staff (5 needed)
$200 each
LCD Monitors (25 needed)
$200 each
Fund to Increase Faculty Salaries
27� Television for Library - Purchased! $300
Gifts in Kind*
DVD Recorder/VCR Combo for Library
Boat for Fishing Club
$300
Photoshop $400
Musical Instruments
Televisions (5 needed)
Backhoe or backhoe attachment for tractor
Anatomical Models (8 needed) Digital Camera for Publications Class
$400 each $700
$40,000
Halsey House Remodel and Upgrades
$50,000
Oak Hill Academy 2635 Oak Hill Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 Address Service Requested
$50,000 $100,000
*Potential gifts are evaluated by the school for condition and suitability prior to acceptance.
$2,800
Equestrian Center Barn Remodel AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
$5,000 $10,000
$200 - $600 each
Digital Microscope - Purchased! $1,700 Rosetta Stone Sponsorship for ESL Class
$1,000
$2,000
For more information or to make a gift to Oak Hill Academy, please contact Tim Henry, Director of Development, at 276-579-2619 or thenry@oak-hill.net.
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