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The Arrow
President’s Message Parents’ Days Graduation 2016 OHA Graduates Receive Scholarships Alumni Weekend
SPRING 2016
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 Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 276-579-2619 • www.oak-hill.net
President Dr. Michael D. Groves Rev. Robert Bailey Mr. Kenny Bowen – ‘78 Ms. Bonnie Burke – P’07 Rev. Danny Collins Mr. Larry Conner Mr. Ralph Davis Mrs. Lisa Dockery Rev. John Duvall Mrs. Sidney Rose Fant Mr. Marshall Frank – P’08 Mr. Todd Fuller Mr. Dennis Gambill Mrs. Susie Garner Mr. Don Gibson Mr. Rex Halsey – ‘55 Mr. Rodney Halsey Dr. Thomas Harvey Mrs. Theresa Lazo Mr. Marty Parks Mr. Carl Rosberg Mr. Tom Saunders Mr. Jim Tapp Ms. Mary Thomas Dr. Dennis Throckmorton Mr. Taylor Vaughan Mr. Harold Wingate
P – Parent of OHA Alumnus
President’s Message Year 137 on “The Hill” is now complete. On Saturday, May 21 at 10:30 we assembled in historic Turner Gymnasium for OHA’s Commencement Exercises. The tassels were turned for the 39 graduates of the Class of 2016. The festivities now belong to the archives, but the legacy of Oak Hill Academy continues. Of course I am proud of our graduates, and delighted with so many recent capital developments (Dixon Hall, Speeks Hall, Patton Triplex, and an amphitheater), yet I am most pleased with the continued relevancy of the Oak Hill Academy mission. With careful planning we have managed to grow and improve our campus … and we have done so while remaining true to our calling. Our mission is to provide a safe and structured environment for teenagers needing a turning point in the journey to adulthood. As I have expressed publicly many times: What could be more important? I will soon be off to Canada for my annual fishing trip with friends and family. We travel to a remote lake where the sounds of a busy world fall silent, interrupted occasionally by the lonely call of the lake loon. We fish on a lake that is essentially unchanged over thousands of years. Yet, our gear is modern, the boat has a powerful outboard motor, and we sleep in a cabin operating under generated power (we do not, however, turn on our cell phones!). Of course my experience of this beautiful place is different than the experience of those who paddled and camped on Lake of the Woods in 1878, yet it is no less beautiful or meaningful or formative to me than it was for my fishing predecessors of the 19th Century. The OHA student of today lives in a world that demands fast responses, quick answers, and immediate feedback. Sometimes, however, the grandest questions of life require consideration. Often the hurdles placed before us are neither easily nor quickly navigated. Substantive matters in life typically take time to process—values
cannot take root overnight, victories are not secured at the opening tip. The most important of life’s lessons take time and investment. Our campus, our setting, and our academic program are designed for just such a worthy endeavor. At Oak Hill Academy we value our legacy and take seriously our many traditions … AND we value the lives and circumstances of our 21st Century students. So, for example, we blend ever so carefully the time-honored tradition of the tolling of the Academy Bell on graduation eve with the needs of adolescents who are itching for instant online access to all of their friends; we recognize that the gravity of being an alumnus of OHA may not yet be evident to 39 graduates of the Class of 2016 as is likely for alums from earlier generations; we know that transitions and growth are not always seamless—for adolescents as well as for institutions. At OHA we take comfort in our school’s important position within the boarding school world today and the needs we continue to meet. We are 137 years young, fulfilling a timeless purpose with today’s students. Whether the calendar indicates 1878 or 2016, the mission of Oak Hill Academy beckons us onward … And, YEAR 138 begins right now.
Follow Dr. Groves on Twitter @DrGrovesOHA.
Parents’ Days 2016 Parents’ Days 2016, held April 21st and 22nd, was a great showcase for Oak Hill Academy’s students. Parents witnessed first-hand all of the activities and ways our student body is involved in “life on the hill.” Thursday afternoon’s events included the National Honor Society induction, a career fair, an in-house horse show, a basketball exhibition and performance by our cheerleaders, recognition of the spring sports teams, a half-court shot contest, a college application presentation, and a science fair. Everyone then enjoyed the Parent/ Student Banquet in Vaughan Dining Hall. The evening was capped off with performances by the OHA music students and string band and a play by the drama club. Parents attended classes with their children on Friday morning followed by the President’s Forum. There was also a student art show throughout the two-day event. The annual Parents’ Days silent auction was once again a big success, raising approximately $5,000 toward a sound system for the new amphitheater. 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 effort!
Boys Dormitories Campaign Update The Boys Dormitories Campaign that began two years ago to raise 1.2 million dollars is making its way to the finish line with less than $57,000.00 to secure. Building number one, the Glenda Elizabeth Dixon Hall, was completed last fall and dedicated in February. Dormitory number two, Harry Lee Speeks Hall, will be completed later this summer and ready for occupancy at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year. With the addition of these buildings, Fletcher Dormitory was replaced and we were able to add 14 beds on the boy’s side of campus. We would like to encourage all of our alumni and friends to join in this campaign by helping us secure the remaining monies needed to complete this important endeavor. Please note there are still naming opportunities for individual rooms, and every dollar donated to this project is significant.
Harry Lee Speeks Hall
$57,000.00
1.2 MILLION 1 2
Donor Appreciation Events Each year Oak Hill Academy hosts two Donor Appreciation Events. On February 19, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Groves hosted the annual Donor Appreciation Dinner. The evening began with a social time and musical performance by the OHA String Band. Dinner and a Gold Team basketball game followed. The Donor Breakfast was held May 21, graduation morning, on the lawn at the Hough Dormitory Picnic Shelter. The dinner honors members of the Oak Club and Founders Club and the breakfast honors the members of the Oak and Founders Clubs as well as members of the President’s Club, the Red and Gold Club and our Legacy Associates. For more information on becoming a member of one of these, or any other giving circle, please contact Tim Henry in the Development Office.
DIXON HALL DEDICATION The Glenda Elizabeth Dixon Hall was dedicated on February 19, 2016. The building houses 14 boys and a resident manager and replaces Fletcher Dormitory. Several members of the Dixon Family were present for the dedication along with our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students. Mrs. Susie Garner and Ms. Fran Dixon named the building in memory of their sister Glenda who lived to the age of 8. Mrs. Garner shared with the audience memories of her sister and the importance of giving back to your community. We express our gratitude to the Dixon Family and all the donors that made this new dormitory possible, and for their support of OHA and her mission.
PATTON TRIPLEX DEDICATION The dedication service for the Jewell Ford Patton Triplex was held on May 6, 2016. This faculty residence is comprised of three separate dwellings (one three-bedroom/two-bath residence, and two onebedroom units) and overlooks Noonkester Park. The Triplex was named in memory of former OHA president Dr. Ed Patton’s mother. We were pleased to have several members of the Patton Family on campus for the ceremony. Dr. Patton shared with those in attendance stories of his family’s visits to campus each summer and his mother’s tremendous love of family. We would like to thank the Patton Family for making this much-needed faculty residence possible.
Graduates Receive Scholarships and Honors The following members of the Class of 2016 were recognized during graduation weekend as receiving academic scholarships:
Aaron Groves – Mouth of Wilson, Virginia – Roanoke College (Merit Based Scholarship); Loyola University (Merit Based Scholarship); University of Mary Washington (Presidential Award); Christopher Newport University (Leadership Scholarship and Study Abroad Scholarship)
Guilford College (Merit Scholarship); High Point University (Academic Scholarship)
Tamsin Smith – Alexandria, Virginia – Hollins University (Presidential Award Scholarship); Emory and Henry College (Presidential Scholarship, Est. Virginia Tuition Grant); Roanoke College Kwande Bawa-Shitgurum – Abuja Jonathan Harris – West Orange, New (Presidential Scholarship); High Point Nigeria – St. Thomas University Jersey – Johnson and Wales University University (Academic Scholarship) (Merit and Housing Scholarship); Lynn (JWU Campus Award); Hawaii Pacific University (Deans Scholarship and (Aloha Scholarship) Tyler Whiteman – Bowie, Maryland Florida Residence Grant); University – High Point University (Academic of Tampa (Florida Residence Tori Levine – Richmond, Virginia – Achievement Grant); Loyola University Grant); Flagler College (Presidential Emory and Henry College (Trustee (Loyola Merit Award) Scholarship and Ponce De Leon Scholarship); Bridgewater College Scholarship) (Eagle Award) Nathan Berhanu – Arusha, Tanzania – Brock Nelson – Centreville, Dean College (Trustee Scholarship) Virginia – Chowan University (Merit Hannah Bruck – Swarthmore, Scholarship) Pennsylvania – Philadelphia University (Faculty Scholarship); University Ming Ogden – Staunton, Virginia of Delaware (Tuition Remission – Mercyhurst University (Mother The following student-athletes were Scholarship); Hofstra University M. Borgia Egan Scholarship and recognized for receiving scholarships: (Merit Scholarship) Presidential Scholarship); Emory and Mario Kegler – Jackson, Mississippi – Henry College (Blue and Gold Award); Mississippi State University Amanda Crenshaw – Rockville, Daemon College (Merit Scholarship); Maryland – High Point University Braxton Key – Nashville, Tennessee – Eastern Mennonite College (Merit (HPU Scholarship); Mount Saint University of Alabama Scholarship) Mary’s (Deans Scholarship); Queens Rodney Miller – Laurelton, New York – University of Charlotte (University Jake Pensak – Wilmington, Delaware University of Miami Scholarship); Rollins College (Rollins – Presbyterian College – Tartan Bushe Ramabu – Gaborone, Botswana Scholarship Grant); Palm Beach Scholarship; High Point University – Asbury Univesity Atlantic (Dean’s Scholarship) (Academic Scholarship); Washington Khadim Sy – Dakar, Senegal – Virginia College (Academic Tuition Brendan Cruz – Clifton, Virginia Tech Scholarship); Emory and Henry – Radford University (Merit College (Trustee Scholarship) Scholarship); The Kings College (Merit Scholarship); Christopher Kane Schrader – Manly Vale, Newport University (President’s Australia – Hampden Sydney College Leadership Scholarship and Study (Gold Crest Scholarship) Abroad Scholarship) Miles Agbaje – Baltimore, Maryland – Virginia Union University (Merit Scholarship)
Christine Sears – Winchester, Virginia Frankie Culhane – Dobbs Ferry, New – Roanoke College (Est. Virginia York – Daemen College (Academic Tuition Grant, Trustee Award); Hollins Founders Scholarship) University (Hollins Scholar Award) West Virginia Wesleyan (Presidential Tara Griffith – Los Angeles, Scholarship); Emory and Henry California – Mary Baldwin College College (Founders Scholarship); (Founders Scholarship)
College Acceptances 2016 Arizona State University Asbury University Bridgewater College Christopher Newport University Chowan University Central Piedmont Community College Clark Atlanta University College of William & Mary Concord University Daemen College Dean College East Carolina University Eastern Mennonite University Emory & Henry College Flagler College Florida Atlantic University Frostburg State University George Mason University Guilford College Hampden-Sydney College Hawaii Pacific University High Point University Hofstra University Hollins University Indiana University Iona University Johnson & Wales University Longwood University Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Lynn University Macomb County Community College Mars Hill University Marshall University Mary Baldwin College Menlo College Mercyhurst University Miami Oxford University of Ohio Mississippi State University Mount Saint Mary’s Nichols College ( MA) Northern Alabama University Old Dominion University Palm Beach Atlantic University
Philadelphia University Presbyterian College Queens University of Charlotte Radford University Roanoke College Rollins University Saint Mary’s College of Maryland Saint Mary’s University (Canada) Salisbury University Santa Fe College State University of New York at Oswego State University of New York at Plattsburgh St. Clair Community College St. Thomas University The King’s College Towson University Trident Technical College Troy State University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of California at Riverside University of California at Santa Cruz University of Guam University of Kentucky University of Louisiana at Lafayette University of Mary Washington University of Massachusetts Boston University of Miami University of Miami at Ohio
University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Florida University of San Francisco University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Toledo University of West Florida Valley Forge Military College Virginia Tech Virginia Union University Washington College West Virginia University West Virginia Wesleyan Wofford College Xavier University
Spring Time
on ” l l i H “the
Noonkester Social and Picnic Always a highlight of the school year, the annual year end picnic at Noonkester Park is a great way for students to relax 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, tried the inflatable obstacle course, and competed in the golf shot contest.
Alumni Weekend 2016 Schedule
FRIDAY, JULY 17TH
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Alumni “Welcome Home” reception at Alumni Campus Store SATURDAY, JULY 18TH 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Reunion registration
1:30 p.m. 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) All afternoon Noonkester Park open for swimming, hiking, etc.
11:30 – 12:00 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Alumni meeting in Fletcher Chapel – class photos to follow Music in the Park (live bluegrass music) Campus tours – led by current 5:00 p.m. students and staff Reunion dinner, silent auction, and party at Mississippi Pavilion in 12:00 noon Noonkester Park-includes music, Lunch and social time in dancing and a message from the Vaughan Dining Hall President
Alumni News
Stephen – ’64 & Barbara Anderson – ‘68 323 W. Grayson Street Hillsville, VA 24343 Stephen received a bachelor of science degree from Carson-Newman College and a master’s degree from Radford University. He taught biology and chemistry at Carroll County High School for 33 years before retiring. Stephen and Barbara have been married 46 years and have three children and six grandchildren. Tanop Kosiyanupup – ‘71 Tanop014432839@hotmail.com Andrea Zerphy O’Daniel – ‘71 23 Bishop Lane Palm Coast, FL 32137 Andrea_odaniel@yahoo.com Patti Doyle – ‘79 2421 Terra Cotta Circle Herndon, VA 20171 Patti.doyle11@gmail.com Michael Trent – ‘79 3001 Knollwood Circle Birmingham, AL 35242 Mtrent51@gmail.com David Fowler – ‘84 607 31st Avenue S., Apt. 6A Atlantic Beach, SC 29582 Ncmusicman003@yahoo.com
Chris Brooks – ‘86 2081 Strange Avenue Bronx, NY 10466 Ianbrooks23@gmail.com Robin Ellis – ‘86 115 East Monroe St., Apt. 307 Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641 Wine_coller67@outlook.com Robin has found her soul mate and will be getting married on August 27. Henry Smith – ‘86 40 Pinehurst Lane Siler City, NC 27344 henrysmithjr@gmail.com Henry works as a paramedic in Burlington, North Carolina. He and his wife have three sons and a daughter. Charles Kent – ‘98 10604 Neuse Road Grantsboro, NC 28529
Becky Rodgers – ‘02 11710 Parliament Street, #606 San Antonio, TX 78213 Ohawarrior2002@gmail.com Becky is working at the San Antonio
SUNDAY, JULY 17TH
9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Floating continental breakfast in Vaughan Dining Hall 11:00 a.m. Worship service at Young’s Chapel Baptist Church Note: Event locations subject to change due to weather, etc.
International Airport for Prime Flight Aviation Services. Jon Schneider – ‘09 schneiderajonathan@gmail.com Jon earned his BS from Appalachian State University in 2013 and is currently serving as a US Army Special Ops soldier. Sebastian Ribbing – ‘10 Ahrenbergsgatan 4E Gothenburg, Sweden 41673 Liz Spicknall – ‘11 1705 Blair Street Christiansburg, VA 24073
Deaths
Gloeda McPeak Branscome – ‘42 Nina Ross Cole – ‘52 Patricia Cranford – ‘61 Carol Agee Simpson – ‘63 Somphone Ame Syravanh Wightman – ‘70 Neil Franklin Woolard – ‘70 Claude Coleman – ‘75 Marc Winfield Brenner – ‘79 Malinda Scott Gregory – ‘79 Chaye Machir – ‘79 Steven Cox Berry – ‘92 Megan Rebecca Seney – ‘03
Faculty Recognized for Years of Service
Dr. Groves recognized the following faculty and staff members for their service to OHA during the graduation ceremony. These folks have a combined 116 years of service to the Academy and her mission! Regina Cooper – Administrative Assistant (Residence Life) and Travel Coordinator – 5 ½ years Brittany Luksic – Art Teacher – 5 years Tim Riedl – Social Studies Teacher – 5 years Katherine Crede - Director of Girls’ Resident Life – 10 years Mike Gamble – Maintenance – 10 years Bud Fleshman – Maintenance – 15 years Bill Hill – Maintenance – 15 years Lynne Ham – Academy Nurse – 25 ½ years Cindy Kaufelt – Campus Store Manager – 25 years
Season in Review
2015-2016 was another banner year for the Oak Hill Warriors. After a rough start with two starting seniors going down with season-ending ACL injuries, Coach Smith made some tweaks with his line-up. He was hoping to build on the experience of several returning juniors & seniors as well as the talented new players on the roster. Coach Smith never predicted the big things to come for his squad: The Warriors went on to win five national tournaments and defeated 13 teams ranked in the top 25 nationally. Oak Hill’s season culminated in the high school version of March Madness with a championship in the Dick’s Nationals at Madison Square Garden in NYC. The finals were televised on ESPN and had the Warriors edging out La Lumiere of La Porte, Indiana, 62-60 in over time with a tip-in at the buzzer. The fifth time in the finals was the charm for Coach Smith and the Warriors. They finally had the “monkey off their back.” This year’s squad might have ended up being a different team than expected in September, but they were amazing. Each player contributed and stepped up to the challenge of their unbelievable schedule. Junior guards that will be returning are Lindell Wigginton, Ty-Shon Alexander, Devontae Shuler, and Matt Coleman. Sophomores that will be back for the Warriors are Montez Mathis and Kenny Nwuba. The seniors that led Oak Hill through their phenomenal schedule and helped to uphold the Warrior tradition of excellence are Braxton Key (Alabama), Mario Kegler (Mississippi State), Rodney Miller (Miami), and Khadim Sy (VA Tech).
1,000 Wins for Coach Smith
OHA Coach Steve Smith reached another milestone in his career with his 1000th win in December. In honor of the achievement, the floor in historic Turner Gymnasium is now referred to as “Steve Smith Court”. Congratulations, Coach Smith!
Wish List
Are You Interested in Filling a Specific Need at Oak Hill Academy?
Other Giving Opportunities (partial list)
Alumni Campus Store Tile
$500
Memorial Oak Tree
Current Giving Opportunities
Named Display Case for Ussery Archives Room
Life Jackets – ACCOMPLISHED!
$25 each
Canoe Paddles – ACCOMPLISHED!
$30 each
Laptops for teachers Smart Boards for Classrooms
$1,000
$750 each $3,000 - $5,000 each
$5,000
Named Scholarship Fund
$10,000
Technology Upgrade for Library
$15,000
Faculty Professional Development Fund
$50,000
Minivan for Student Activities
$20,000
Gifts in Kind*
6 Horse Trailer
$22,000
Backhoe or backhoe attachment for tractor
12-Passenger Van for Student Activities
$25,000
Used vehicles, vans, or minivans
Halsey House Remodel and Upgrade
$50,000
6 Horse Trailer We are looking for a new or excellent condition used acoustic (not electric) piano for our music and performance program. We would prefer a console or small grand piano such as a
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.
The Arrow Oak Hill Academy 2635 Oak Hill Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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