The Sabre Randolph-Macon Academy
Summer-Fall 2022
A Falcon Foundation School
THE SABRE Magazine Published by
RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY 200 Academy Drive Front Royal, VA 22630 540-636-5200 www.RMA.edu Editor: Jenny Walton Photography: Misti Walters
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mr. Harry G. Austin, III ‘75 Chairman Mr. John Simar ‘68 Vice-Chairman Ms. Patty Keenan Secretary Ms. Lucy Williams Hooper Treasurer Mr. Eric Anderson ‘88 Dr. Bill Bersing ‘85 Mr. Brian Bogart Dr. Tess Hegedus Mr. Doug Huthwaite ‘69 Ms. Heather Grossman, P’16, ‘18, ‘21 Mr. Ed Morris ‘97 Mr. Alonzo Neese, III ‘01 Mr. Robert Spivey ‘59 Ms. Katie Tewell ‘97, P’22, ‘25 Ex-Officio Members Mr. Bryan V. Moore ‘84 Ms. Valerie Wilson, P’24 Rev. Dr. Victor Gomez
PRESIDENT Brig Gen David C. Wesley, USAF, Ret.
The Sabre is published for alumni, parents, and friends of the Academy. Send any comments or suggestions to: jwalton@rma.edu To unsubscribe from The Sabre, send your name and address to: alumni@rma.edu Left: Jane Santamore ‘22, Maggie Tewell ‘22, and Cecilia Paredes ‘22 announce their college destinations.
CONTENTS GENERAL’S GREETINGS
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RISE INSIDE R-MA Wrestlers Earn Honors Now On Board: Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members R-MA Returns to Apple Blossom
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FEATURE ARTICLES Honorary Alumnus: Mr. Eric Barr Seniors Take Flight: Commencement 2022 Valedictorian Victoria VanDyke ‘22 Salutatorian Ethan Park ‘22 Rise Together: Homecoming 2022
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RISE BEYOND James Chase ‘18: USAFA’S Top Falcon Scholar 2022 Giving Day 2022 Reaches New Heights Forging Connections: Regional Chapters 50 Years In The Making: 1968 Grads Make Music & Movies Final Roll Call
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GENERAL’S GREETINGS I greet you shortly after the departure of R-MA’s 130th graduating class -- what a wonderful group of young people! Their achievements over the past few weeks are stunning. This class is our fifteenth consecutive graduating group with 100% college acceptance, and they are going to some of the finest institutions in the world. In total, these 59 seniors and Falcon Scholars amassed $16.6M in competitively-awarded merit scholarships - our highest total ever - with five members of the class earning scholarships exceeding $1M each. In addition, 16 students earned 20 appointments to U.S. Service Academies. Watch them celebrate at RMA.edu, and be sure to turn up the sound! This type of performance is fueled by the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students, supported by committed families (our Parents Association has been incredibly helpful this year!). In a world where there is sometimes too little to be encouraged about, Yellow Jackets are finding a great path forward, building on the heritage so many of you helped to forge. They are growing in faith, stature, and knowledge. They are swimming against the tide of world events in a culture of mutual respect and common purpose -- to make leaders who will improve humanity! It is a privilege to be here with them, watching that timeless light take hold in the minds of young people we are certain will change the world for the better!
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And: more of you are seeing that effort and deciding to be a part of the ongoing work here on The Hill. Giving Day 2022 was one for the record books, with 168 donors contributing more than $218,000 in just 24 hours! This is what it takes to compete in the challenging economy you see around you every day. The pandemic and economic headwinds are surely a threat to us, but based on the ways our community has responded this year, I know we will continue to deliver on the investment you and those who share your values are making in R-MA. America and our world need schools like the Academy, so that there will always be young people, filled with energy and moral courage, to light the way to a better future for all of us. Please visit us soon...you’ll be proud, just like this year’s graduates are, to be in a place where that light still burns brightly! God bless you, and GO JACKETS!
David C. Wesley Brigadier General, USAF, Retired President
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RISE INSIDE R-MA WRESTLERS EARN HONORS Every year, the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the United States Marine Corps recognize and award wrestlers who have achieved success on the mat, in the classroom, and in their communities. Athletes selected to receive this honor must demonstrate dependability, judgement, endurance, initiative, tact, integrity, unselfishness, and courage. This year, they bestowed Character & Leadership All-American Awards on four R-MA students: Godfrey Delaney ‘22, Zach Rosen ‘22, Henry Scott ‘23, and Shawn Starling ‘23. The R-MA Wrestling team also celebrated success at the Virginia Wrestling State Tournament, finishing third in the medium-size school division and 11th overall. Several team members also earned state medals, including Henry Scott ‘23 (2nd Place, 182 lb. weight class), Zach Rosen ‘22 (5th Place, 152 lb. weight class), Sean Loeber ‘22 (6th Place, 285 lb. weight class), Luke Bitter ‘24 (6th Place, 195 lb. weight class), and Owen Werner ‘28 (8th Place, 113 lb weight class).
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NOW ON BOARD
BOARD OF TRUSTEES WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Heather Grossman, P’16, ‘18, ‘21 Returning to the Board of Trustees is Heather Grossman. She is the proud parent of three R-MA graduates: Ashley ‘16, Michael ‘18, and Lily ‘21. She has served in a variety of volunteer roles at R-MA, including Parent Association President and Treasurer, Middle and Upper School Representative, and more. She is a past co-owner (with her husband and Gulf War veteran Mike) of a commercial contracting company and now works for Coldwell Banker Realty. She and Mike are working on the development of condominiums and hotel at Lake Anna, Virginia.
Dr. Tess Hegedus Past R-MA Dean of Instructional Leadership and Innovation, Tess holds a Masters Degree in Gifted Education from Elon University and a PhD in Teacher Education/Higher Education from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Her 20-year career in education has included teaching, research, and administration in K-12 learning and higher education. During her time at R-MA, Tess led initiatives to advance techonology and implemented both J-Term and the Pre-Professional Pathways.
R-MA RETURNS TO APPLE BLOSSOM After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of Winchester’s annual Apple Blossom Festival and its accompanying parades in 2020 and a downsized event in 2021, the Festival made a triumphant return with a full-scale celebration this spring! The cadet corps-marched in both the Firefighters Parade and the Grand Feature parade. Select students also served as escorts for the various special guests in both parades. Led by the drum major, Sean Loeber ‘22, the band took home the award for Oustanding Military School Band for the Firefighters Parade! Both parades are available for viewing on the Festival’s website: www.thebloom.com. The Sabre Magazine
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FEATURE ARTICLES
HONORARY ALUMNUS:
MR. ERIC BARR August 1982. Mr. Eric Barr had graduated from Shepherd College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, when he saw a classified ad in the Washington Post: a private school in Front Royal, Virginia was looking for a math teacher. Randolph-Macon Academy had just completed its 90th year, and with enrollment on an upswing, more teachers were needed to accommodate the new students. Mr. Barr called, and came out to campus for an interview with then-academic dean, Col. Philip Herndon. “It was more like he was selling me on the job,” Mr. Barr reflected – after all, classes were due to start in two weeks. He was offered the position, and he accepted. Little did he know - he would stay and serve on The Hill for the next 40 years, becoming one of the Academy’s longest-tenured and most beloved faculty members. 8
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Born in a small town in West Virginia to an elementary school teacher father and housewife mother, Eric Barr was the youngest of six children. After graduating from high school, he attended Shepherd College and received a Bachelor of Science in mathematic. Though he had started as an education major with the intention of becoming a teacher, he knew that “it was always going to be math.” His career at R-MA began with teaching Math 7 and Math 8 in Room 7 of Rives Hall. Each year, he moved up a level – through Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II/Trig, until he reached Precalculus. This meant that Mr. Barr had the opportunity to teach his students for five consecutive years. “I grew up with the Class of 1987,” he shared. He has taught primarily AP Calculus and Honors Precalculus and began a 30-year tenure as an adjunct professor with Shenandoah University. Mr. Barr received his Masters Degree in Mathematics with a specialization in Operations Research from George Mason University in 1994. Mr. Barr also served as chair of the R-MA Math Department until 2019. Outside of the classroom, he has served as the faculty advisor to the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Fraternity, faculty advisor to the Honor Council, National Honor Society faculty council, and President of the Athletic Booster Club.
In addition, he was the faculty advisor to the Virginia Mathematics League team that won two regional championships. Mr. Barr has also served as Intramural Director, Summer School Director, and operated the Basketball Clock for over 25 years. He was even the Acting Academic Dean for one week! Mr. Barr was the longtime coach of both the boys and girls tennis teams. He was conference Coach of the Year 10 times and R-MA Coach of the Year five times. His teams won twelve conference championships and Barr coached over 500 tennis matches winning nearly 300. Mr. Barr had the distinct honor of having the 1995 yearbook, The Randomac, dedicated to him. He was also selected as the United Methodist Teacher of the Year in 1999, as well as Air Force Association Teacher of the Year. He is also proud to be an honorary member of R-MA’s Class of 2013. In honor of Mr. Barr’s retirement this June, R-MA President, Brigadier General David Wesley, USAF, Retired conferred upon Mr. Barr the highest possible honor during Commencement 2022: an R-MA Honorary Diploma. General Wesley described Mr. Barr as “certainly one of the greatest math teachers in the history of the Commonwealth, and a man truly deserving of a place among the greatest teachers ever to grace this campus.”
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SENIORS TAKE FLIGHT:
COMMENCEMENT 2022 On May 28, the Class of 2022 took their next steps into the world, becoming R-MA’s 130th graduating class. Surrounded by family and friends, the seniors gathered in Melton Gymnasium to celebrate their Commencement.
General Djuric encouraged the class to practice two key leadership skills, service and change management.
R-MA Chaplain , Reverend Erich Bennett, asked for blessings upon the graduates with the invocation, then yielded the floor for General Wesley’s welcome and remarks. He began by reflecting on the irreversible impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Academy.
To motivate the graduates, she shared the story of a Mary Baldwin alumnus, Sarah K. Small, who served her school in student government, as an RA, and as a VWIL cadet, and then her country as a First Lieutenant in the Air Force until her death in the line of duty in 2005.
“After we’re finished celebrating - and believe me, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to celebrate today, because this class has earned it in ways I had no idea they would have to,” he said. “I ask that you pause and reflect on the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for this Academy...let’s dedicate this class of amazing young people to the work and sacrifice done to prepare them for this day.”
“She was truly a leader, full of ambition and passion for life, and she embodied the core value of service before self,” General Djuric shared. She went on to note that it was Memorial Day weekend - a time to remember the sacrifice of our nation’s service members.
He also made a request of the Class of 2022: “Go out and live lives worthy of the sacrifice that was paid to make this day possible for you.” General Wesley’s remarks were followed by words from the valedictorian of the Class of 2022, Victoria VanDyke (see page 13). General Wesley then introduced this year’s Commencement speaker, Brigadier General Terry Djuric, USAF, Retired, who currently serves as senior advisor to the resident and commandant of cadets for the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL) at Mary Baldwin University.
Speaking of change management, General Djuric offered this advice: “If you can learn to react to change in a calm, professional, and positive manner, you will succeed.” Failure to do so makes you “part of the problem - and we need leaders who are part of the solution.” She concluded, “I trust that you will choose to be the leader who serves your people, and serves your community...you’re all winners. Believe in yourselves.” The Class of 2022 and Falcon Scholars leave the Hill well-prepared for the challenges they will face. We congratulate them on their many accomplishements and look forward to their successes in the years to come! The Sabre Magazine
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The Class of 2022 graduated 59 students who received over $16.6 million in college scholarships! Baylor University
Loyola University Maryland
University of Denver
Boston University
Norwich University
Drexel University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
East Tennessee State University
Randolph College
University of Maryland - College Park
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
Roanoke College
University of Maryland - Eastern Shore
Rutgers University
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Saint Louis University
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Fullerton College George Mason University
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
George Washington University
SUNY, Jefferson Community College
Hood College
United States Air Force Academy
James Madison University
United States Military Academy
Laredo College
United States Naval Academy
Liberty University
University of California - Davis
Lord Fairfax Community College
University of California - Los Angeles
University of Virginia Virginia Military Institute Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Washington College West Virginia University
16 students from the Class of 2022 were accepted to a Service Academy:
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US Air Force Academy
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US Coast Guard Academy
FEATURE ARTICLES
VALEDICTORIAN
VICTORIA VANDYKE ‘22 The Valedictorian for the Class of 2022 is Victoria VanDyke! Victoria VanDyke came to R-MA in the fall of 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I have two brothers, one of whom is going into the sixth grade,” said Victoria. “My parents thought it would be important for my brother to be in school where he could learn in person and see people’s faces. I decided that it would be best for me and my family to be together...so I followed him to R-MA. I was a little less dedicated to my studies [then]. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life or where I wanted to attend college,” she reflected. Once she arrived on campus, Victoria hit the ground running. She enrolled in multiple AP and honors classes. She joined the varsity volleyball team, and in 2021-22 she became a co-captain and was named Most Valuable Player. She became president of the National Honor Society and a member of the history, science, and math honor societies. She joined Cadre as a senior, taking on the role of Athletics Officer, she was elected Homecoming Queen for 2022 all while she helped her family launch a small business. As class valedictorian, Victoria had the honor of speaking at Graduation. She offered the gathered audience three lessons she learned from her time at R-MA. First: shine your shoes, because “it makes you feel good about how you look and gives you confidence in yourself.” she said. “Whatever life throws at you, face it with a pair of shiny shoes.” Second: Be accountable. “This school is all about accountability,” Victoria acknowledged. “It taught me to take control of my life.” And third: don’t shy away from leadership. “This school is second to none in giving its students the opportunity to lead,” she reflected. “We are so ready for what is next,” she said of the Class of 2022. “I once said that coming to this school was the best decision of my life. I could not have been more right...Randolph-Macon Academy is the reason we will put every ounce of determination we can into making our lives everything we envisioned.” Victoria thanks her parents “for pushing me to work my hardest,” her friends “for telling me that it is not a good idea to senior slide,” and teachers like Mr. Barr, Dr. Cousineau, and Ms. Moore “for making sure I was challenged and pushed to my limits.” She will attend the University of Virginia in the fall, and hopes to become a dermatologist.
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FEATURE ARTICLES
SALUTATORIAN
ETHAN PARK ‘22 The Salutatorian for the Class of 2022 is Ethan Park! Growing up in Minnesota, Ethan described himself as “outgoing and sociable” - attributes that would serve him well, because when he reached middle school, Ethan’s family moved to South Korea, where he attended an international school. “That was honestly rough for me,” said Ethan. “Most of the kids had already built friendships and relationships...I still managed to fit in, yet something was off...until I got the opportunity to attend R-MA.” Ethan learned about the Academy through a family connection. For a young man who dreamed of becoming an astronaut, it was a perfect fit. “I fell deeper in love as I discovered the flight program, cadre program, and opportunities for further education and evelopment,” Ethan reflected. Four years later, Ethan has experienced much of what R-MA has to offer: captaining the swim team, flying a plane solo, creating the R-MA Engineering Club, and ascending the ranks of the Corps to become a Cadet Colonel and Corps Commander. To top it off, he was named Best All-Around Cadet at Class Night. After dedicating so much of his time to the Academy, Ethan looked back on his accomplishments and favorite moments. “One of my proudest moments has to be marching in the Apple Blossom parades as the Corps Commander,” he shared. “It was very rewarding to see cadets as their hard work and efforts paid off and people applauded through the streets of Winchester.” He also thought of the swim team’s successes this year: “My relay team qualified for the Virginia States Swimming Championships. I was swelling with pride as we made a comeback to take first in our heat.” It wasn’t always easy - Ethan reflected that “as the Corps Commander, you sometimes have to make decisions that others may not understand...At the end of the day, however, there is a lesson and purpose to everything done on this hill, and this position taught me how to be a leader even in the civilian world later on in life.” Ethan thanks his parents and brother, all his friends and teachers, and gave a particular shout-out to Mr. Barr, Dr. Byrd, Dr. Cousineau, Mrs. Wagner, SMSgt Edington, Dean Leasure, Cmdr Carlucci, Mr. Koch, and “all the wonderful people at R-MA.” He will attend the University of California - Los Angeles in the fall. 14
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“Go out and live lives worthy of the sacrifice that was paid to make this day possible for you.” Brigadier General David C. Wesley, USAF, Retired President, Randolph-Macon Academy
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RISE TOGETHER
HOMECOMING & REUNIONS OCTOBER 21-22, 2022
REGISTER NOW for HOMECOMING & REUNIONS 2022! Visit RMA.edu/homecoming to register and see who’s coming, and don’t miss this year’s special guests!
FEATURED PERFORMERS PawnShop kings
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Major General Mark Brown, USAF
HOMECOMING GAME
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Perkiomen Panthers vs. R-MA Yellow Jackets SATURDAY, 10/22 - RIDDICK FIELD
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 (CONT’D)
Registration Opens 12:00 - 2:00pm Sonner-Payne Cross Hall
Academics Open House 9:30 - 10:45am Stan Fulton Hall
Check in, collect your registration packet and nametag, and enjoy light refreshments.
Visit with faculty and students and learn more about R-MA’s curriculum, the Pre-Professional Pathways, and more!
Campus Tour 12:30 - 1:30pm Sonner-Payne Cross Hall Take a tour of campus led by R-MA cadets! Stops will include the Hadeed Innovation Lab, Melton Gym, Boggs Chapel, and more. Homecoming Keynote: The Power of Grit 2:00 - 3:00pm Boggs Chapel Join the Corps for remarks by Major General Mark Brown, USAF, on the Power of Grit. Alumni Celebration Dinner 6:00 - 9:00pm The Shenandoah Lodge & Athletic Club Join us to celebrate R-MA and her alumni with dinner and a special performance by PawnShop kings!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Registration Opens 9:00am - 2:00pm Sonner-Payne Cross Hall Check in, collect your registration packet and nametag, and enjoy light refreshments.
Homecoming Memorial Parade 11:00 - 11:45am Riddick Field Honor R-MA’s fallen, and celebrate her future. Homecoming Lunch 12:00 - 1:00pm Riddick Field Visit with classmates, faculty, and friends and enjoy a delicious cookout-style lunch! Alumni Association Annual Meeting 1:00 - 2:00pm Boggs Chapel Join us for an update on the Alumni Association’s activities and to vote in the officers for 2022-23. Homecoming Football Game v. Perkiomen 2:00pm Riddick Field Cheer on the Yellow Jackets as they take on the Perkiomen Panthers! Class Reunion Gatherings & Dinners Various Locations Contact your class ambassador for details! The Sabre Magazine
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WHO’S CELEBRATING REUNIONS?
PARKING ON CAMPUS
Classes ending in 2’s and 7’s are celebrating milestone reunions this year! For information about your class’s reunion, contact your class ambassador(s).
Friday: Limited parking wil be available in the lot between Sonner-Payne Hall and Melton Gymnasium. Overflow parking will be on the football practice field.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Saturday: Parking will be available on the football practice field; only handicapped parking will be available on The Hill. Please contact us at 540-6365343 if you need handicapped parking, or display your state-issued permit.
We recommend that you arrive on 10/21 and depart on 10/23, though you are welcome to extend your stay to enjoy the beautiful fall season! Be sure to book early as October is peak tourism season in the Shenandoah valley. Hilton Doubletree (formerly Holiday Inn): 540-631-3050 The Hilton has recently undergone a renovation of its public spaces and has replaced all the beds and linens in their guest rooms. To receive a discounted rate, reserve your room by September 21. Call 540-631-3050 and state that you are with the R-MA Homecoming group (group code RMH). Both king and double-queen rooms are available for $99/night, excluding taxes and fees. Towneplace Suites: 540-749-0033 Hampton Inn: 540-635-1882 Baymont by Wyndham (formerly Quality Inn): 530-635-3161
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SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION An on-campus shuttle will operate continuously on Saturday to get you from your car to events around campus; however, R-MA will not be providing transportation to/from area hotels.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION As of the printing of this edition of The Sabre, we expect that R-MA will not require masks in 2022-23. We will alert all attendees in advance if this changes.
QUESTIONS? Contact the R-MA Advancement Team at 540-636-5485 or at advancement@RMA.edu.
RISE BEYOND
JAMES CHASE ‘18:
USAFA’S TOP FALCON SCHOLAR 2022 R-MA Falcon Scholar C1C James Chase ‘18 has been named the Top Falcon Scholar for Overall Performance in the Class of 2022 at the United States Air Force Academy! He also holds the top slot in the ranking for physical conditioning average against his Falcon peers. “I am very excited to commission and even more excited to attend pilot traning in Columbus,” said Chase. “It’s been an amazing journey and I’m very grateful for the foundation R-MA gave me!” Chase and his R-MA Falcon cohort just celebrated their graduation by taking the traditional plunge into the USAFA fountain. Pictured left to right are James Miranda ‘18, Trey Shuford ‘18, Parker Mascarenhas ‘18, Jack Giannettino ‘18, James Chase ‘18, and William Mitchell ‘18.
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GIVING DAY 2022
REACHES NEW HEIGHTS On April 22, R-MA donors set a new record for the Academy’s annual Giving Day, raising over $218,000!
168 generous Yellow Jackets from 25 states, the US Virgin Islands, and Bermuda made over 175 gifts and unlocked not one, but two $50,000 gifts pledged by an anonymous donor. Another 18 donors stepped up to complete the $1k for $5k challenge issued by a donor from the Class of 1969, unlocking a further $100,000 for Giving Day over the next five years. Thank you to everyone who contributed - we are grateful to have such a devoted, caring community! The Sabre Magazine
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RISE BEYOND
FORGING CONNECTIONS:
REGIONAL CHAPTERS Ninety years ago, in the days long before cell phones, the Internet, Facebook, and Instagram, Randolph-Macon Academy alumni organized and maintained regional chapters in Manhattan, N.Y., Pittsburgh, PA, and Washington D.C. During the early 90’s and 00’s, alumni chapters in Maryland, North Carolina, and Shenandoah Valley were also created. These chapters provided ways of uniting alumni who shared the common bond of life on The Hill and presented opportunities to support each other. Under the leadership of the President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Bryan Moore ’84 (pictured right), the Academy is creating new opportunities to cultivate the bonds of our alumni community. Bryan is eager to lead the Alumni Association in this important endeavor. “The world has changed, with technology altering the way we engage with one another,” he acknowledged. “Social media platforms have made catching up with old friends so easy, and getting together for social gatherings less of a priority. To build a strong alumni community, we have to provide ways to better the lives of our alumni. Regional chapters provide ways for alumni, young and old, to benefit through mentoring, business networking, scholarship opportunities, and fellowship.” Lou Massett, R-MA’s Director of Advancement, has experienced this not only in his career as an educator, but as a boarding school student himself. “Attending a hometown high school offers alumni the benefit of a local network. We have something better - the added benefit of deep, lifelong friendships with people across the globe. Friendships forged through experiences away from home, at a school with high standards and 20
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“Regional chapters provide ways for alumni, young and old, to benefit through mentoring, business networking, scholarship opportunities, and fellowship.” Bryan V. Moore ‘84 President Alumni Association Board of Directors
great expectations, bring our alumni together like family. This experience transcends time and space and creates a powerful bond between alumni from all generations. Vibrant regional chapters will help connect us and strengthen the R-MA community – and as they say, ‘a rising tide lifts all ships.’”
THE REGIONAL CHAPTER PROGRAM HAS FIVE PILLARS: CAREER NETWORK. Chapters will provide platforms to connect R-MA alumni in the job market, or in college - with other alumni in similar industries in order to help secure new career opportunities, including internships. BUSINESS NETWORK. Regional chapters will promote alumni businesses within the R-MA network and each individual’s circle of influence. They will also provide platforms for discussussion of best practices, opportunities, and possible investment opportunities. SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENT. The creation of regional chapter scholarships provides alumni the tools and incentive to connect prospective families from their workplaces, churches, and neighborhoods to R-MA’s great tradition. MENTORING. The mentoring program allows alumni to share their time and talents with R-MA students. This will help build a greater esprit-de-corps, giving current students a glimpse of the success that awaits them. FELLOWSHIP. The R-MA alumni office will work in concert with regional chapters to build community through fun, meaningful events for alumni and their families.
The foundation of a sustainable chapter program is providing value to R-MA’s alumni. The first step in forging that foundation is understanding individual needs and wants. “Through visits with nearby alumni and those further afield - including Hampton Roads, Maryland, and California (thus far) - the Advancement team has already begun making connections and developing a better understanding of what our graduates are looking for,” said Massett. “We’ve had great feedback so far. It’s important to understand that everyone is at different stages in their lives, so their wants and needs vary.” “We have a lot of ambitious, talented young alumni who want to make their mark in the world,” Moore added. “Part of our project is establishing ways to help give an R-MA edge to these young men and women who are entering an increasingly competitive market.” The Advancement Office is creating a webpage and a LinkedIn page for the Academy’s Chapter Program. If you are interested in learning more, getting involved in, or creating an Alumni Chapter in your area, please contact Lou Massett at 540-636-5206 or at lmassett@RMA.edu. The Sabre Magazine
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RISE BEYOND
50 YEARS IN THE MAKING:
1968 ALUMNI MAKE MUSIC & MOVIES WRITTEN BY DAVID SULLIVAN ‘68
R-MA alumni Greg Hoover ‘68 (pictured top left) and David Sullivan ‘69 (pictured bottom left) have remained in contact over the years through emails from their Class Ambassador and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, John Simar ‘68. In 2021, Simar shared with classmates a beautiful song written and performed by Hoover. This got some creative wheels turning in the mind of Sullivan, a filmmaker and novelist living in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The two grads began corresponding, and the result was the country song “Travelin’ Stan,” with lyrics by Sullivan and music by Hoover’s Syracuse-based band, Black Mountain Angels. The song was released not only for radio but will also be included in the soundtrack for Sullivan’s upcoming film, “Encounters at Flat Rock,” based on his sci-fi book trilogy of the same name. After their graduation from R-MA, both Hoover and Sullivan studied Economics, at Tennessee Wesleyan and Boston College respectively. Hoover later worked in construction material sales & design before becoming a highly successful builder specializing in homes, commercial projects, and subdivisions. His leadership in these areas was recognized as he became President and Board member of various state and national building organizations. Sullivan’s career focused on organizational development in corporate telecommunications, manufacturing, and oil & gas industries, where he won multiple business communications awards and developed programs to prepare executives to give effective testimony in state and Federal courts. He also served as two-time President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association for Psychological Type. Both men credit the Academy for much of their success in both the worlds of business and their creative endeavors. They are now at work on a short film about the ghost of Alice Riley, the first woman executed in Georgia. Hoover has already penned a great song as a part of the production process. 22
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FINAL ROLL CALL Since the publication of the last issue of The Sabre, we have received notification that the following members of the Randolph-Macon Academy family have passed away. They are greatly missed, and they will remain in our hearts forever. (Please note: Notifications received after June 7, 2022 are not included in this list.)
Archer J. Taylor ‘44 February 4, 2022
Steward L. McCurdy ‘47 September 17, 2020
William H. Blanks, II ‘63 September 19, 2021
Boyd M. Guttery ‘45 April 10, 2022
David R. Pefley ‘47 May 25, 2021
John L. Dubois ‘65 March 16, 2021
Eugene J. Baur, Jr. ‘45 February 25, 2022
John C. Crawford ‘48 April 17, 2022
Charles T. Sowers, Jr. ‘65 June 10, 2021
Henry P. Ames, Jr. ‘47 May 23, 2021
Harry L. Mapp, Jr. ‘48 March 18, 2022
David A. Wineland ‘68 May 30, 2021
Edwin N. Crump ‘47 July 5, 2019
Richard T. Hunter ‘57 December 2018
Samuel B. McKnight ‘77 March 4, 2022
Kenneth S. Cunningham ‘47 March 26 2020
Daniel S. Yates ‘57 January 14, 2022
John R. Stephens ‘79 February 12, 2022
Louis P. Godwin ‘47 May 30, 2016
Donald Blackwell ‘61 June 15, 2015
Jeffrey T. Higgs ‘81 January 9, 2022 The Sabre Magazine
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The Sabre RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY 200 Academy Drive Front Royal, Virginia 22630
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Winchester, VA PERMIT NO. 339
For parents: if this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer lives at home, please notify R-MA of the new mailing address at 540-6365343 or at alumni@RMA.edu.
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
The Class of 2022 leaves their handprints behind Sonner-Payne, carrying on the tradition established by the Class of 2019.
