Spring Ridge 2015

THE RIDGE SPRING 2015

THE RIDGE, SPRING 2015

GREETINGS FROM ST. GEORGE! Also highlighting the year was

mind, the thrust of the LRP will be

The number of families served

groundbreaking of the Baron

to continue honing our niche as

increases each month. To my

Athletic Complex. Phase One,

an all-boys, all-boarding, college-

thinking, this is the best kind

which includes a new 6-lane track

prep school (one of only two left

of community service – boys

and artificial turf field for football,

in the US!) featuring unique and

experiencing a hands-on effort

soccer, and lacrosse, is on track

robust outdoor programs and

that offers immediate help to

for completion this summer. Over

character education.

our neighbors.

$1.9 million to this $2.6 million

Expanding character education

The School has progressed in

project. With your help, we hope

programs, we seek to develop

many ways and is a different

to begin construction in late fall

within our students the traits of

place than the one Reverend

on Phase Two, which will include

integrity, perseverance, moral

Mayo founded in 1909. At the

new facilities for soccer, baseball

courage and a commitment to

same time, when I see local

and golf.

service. We endeavor to graduate

families drive onto campus in

not only capable scholars but

need of help, I proudly feel that

Working with the Charlottesville

good men. Character education

we’ve come full circle.

firm Payne, Ross & Associates,

is woven throughout all areas of

we launched in March a

boys’ lives at Blue Ridge. This

We will welcome the members of

new website featuring boys

year, we added a culminating rite

the Class of 2015 to our alumni

as relational learners. The

of passage – community service

ranks on May 23 in our traditional

new website showcases the

trips by class. The junior class, for

lakeside ceremony. Each year as

excellence of BRS teachers in

example, traveled with me and

Commencement nears, I grow

mentoring students and helping

a dozen other BRS educators to

increasingly nostalgic. Time left

them grow into young men of

rural West Virginia to work with

with this senior class is limited.

character. The new website is

the Appalachian Service Project,

This realization encourages

only one part of the School’s

repairing homes for impoverished

colleagues and me to live in the

branding and marketing efforts,

families. Each class worked hard

moment and soak up these last

a multi-year commitment aimed

for three days. Reflections I’ve

few weeks with them on campus.

at ensuring future growth and

read from the experiences show

success in enrolling mission-

that the boys answered the call

appropriate young men.

to serve.

School leaders and Trustees

Service learning is also part

continue our School’s march

recently turned to the creation

of our partnership with Buck

forward.

of the next Long Range Plan

Mountain Episcopal Church,

(LRP). It is our team’s belief that

a parish in nearby Earlysville.

the American boarding school

This year, we’ve launched an

marketplace is fundamentally

extension of Buck Mountain’s

changing and that the next five

food pantry from the Gibson

years will present continued

Memorial Chapel. Once a month,

challenges - especially to small,

Blue Ridge boys distribute food

independent schools such as

and dry goods to needy families

Blue Ridge. With this belief in

living right here in Bacon Hollow.

140 donors have contributed

W

ith a weather-delayed spring now in full glory, this edition of The Ridge features lacrosse, a BRS

spring sport with an impressive history. It’s eye-opening to see the list of alumni who after BRS advanced to play lacrosse in college, on national teams, and even in the professional ranks (on page 7).

The School has a proud tradition of excellence across many athletic and fine arts programs. I call your attention to notable articles inside these pages. “It’s About Family” is about dramatic and musical performances, many of which showcase not only student talent but the talented members of the extended BRS family (on page 13).

“From Last to First” characterizes a major highlight of this school year – our State Basketball Championship and worst-to-first, turn-around season (on page 7).

Our boys are doing exceptional things as you’ll read in the pages ahead. With your support, we’ll

As always, I welcome from you a visit or call anytime.

GO BARONS!

TRIP DARRIN, HEADMASTER

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL

CONTENTS FROM LAST TO FIRST - THE 2015 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

PAGE 3

BRS LACROSSE - AN IMPRESSIVE FIVE-YEAR RUN

PAGE 7

GROUNDBREAKING BEGINS ON THE NEW ATHLETIC COMPLEX

PAGE 12

IT’S ABOUT FAMILY PAGE 13 A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER: JIM NIEDERBERGER

PAGE 15

A MEANINGFUL GIFT: THE ANNUAL FUND

PAGE 16

CHARACTER EDUCATION FIELD TRIPS PAGE 17 IN MEMORY OF ANDREW BARBER ’01

PAGE 18

THE LEGACY TUITION PROGRAM BACK COVER

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION:

THE BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL MISSION:

Mr. William A. Darrin III, Headmaster Dr. Kevin Miller, Associate Headmaster for Academics Mr. D. Franklin Daniels, Jr., Associate Headmaster for Advancement & Admissions Mr. Vinton Bruton, Assistant Headmaster for Co-curricular Programs

We focus on helping boys reach their potential through personalized, structured, innovative learning practices in a college-preparatory, all-boarding community.

THE RIDGE: Ms. Hilde Keldermans, Editor/Graphic Designer/Photographer Mr. Dan Dunsmore, Principal Writer Mr. Michael Hallstrom, Principal Photography

WWW.BLUERIDGESCHOOL.COM

Blue Ridge School admits qualified young men of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. Blue Ridge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial assistance and loan programs, athletic and other administered programs.

THE RIDGE, SPRING 2015

FROM LAST TO FIRST THE 2015 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

A

fter a heart-breaking

Bishops in the VISAA Division II

regular season with great

February 20, all VIC tournament

season in 2014, the Barons’

state championship if both teams

success. This included a win over

basketball games, both JV and

basketball team ended

made it that far.

VES in Lynchburg by a score of

varsity, were cancelled due to a

71-61 on Tuesday, January 20.

winter storm. As a result, Blue

Associate Head Coach Cade

Teams were definitely keying on

Ridge’s and VES’ varsity teams

their 2015 season as State Champions!

Lemcke comments, “VES

junior Mamadi Diakite, a national

were named co-champions

It didn’t begin as a perfect

deserves a lot of credit for that

top-50 recruit, so other players

of the 2014-2015 season. It

campaign, but it ended in a

first game against us. They were

had to step up. Diakite had his

appeared at that point that Bill’s

perfectly beautiful way. After

ready to play, had a good game

impressive moments in several

early-season prediction would

going 18-4 in the regular season,

plan and were motivated. In our

games despite the constant

come true.

the Blue Ridge varsity team had

post game meeting, we knew

double and triple teaming, but

its eye on one squad in particular

they gave us their best shot, but

teammates such as juniors Malik

After a first-round bye, Blue

– Virginia Episcopal School of

it was equally as obvious that we

Johnson and Scott Spencer

Ridge hosted Atlantic Shores

Lynchburg. The Barons began

were far from peaking. That loss

as well as sophomore Aamir

Christian on Thursday, February

the season with three straight

squashed any thoughts of having

Simms also became trouble for

26, in the quarterfinals of the

wins before meeting VES at

an undefeated season which

opponents.

VISAA Division II tournament.

home on Thursday, December

allowed us to focus on getting

11. It was a back-and-forth battle

better with every game and

As the regular season came to

with 11 points in a lopsided 65-

that VES eventually won 63-55.

playing well at the right time.”

an end and the post season lay

39 victory. It should be noted that

ahead, wintry weather played

Blue Ridge students not involved

havoc with the schedule. On

with the varsity team were not

Head Coach Bill Ramsey ’83

3

knew then that his Baron team

For the most part, Blue Ridge

would very likely play the Fighting

blew through the rest of the

Malik led all Blue Ridge scorers

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL

AAMIR SIMMS ’17

RIDGE ROWDIES

SCOTT SPENCER ’16

MALIK JOHNSON ’16

“...what impressed us as coaches was how (the team) bought into playing for each other and playing like it was the last game of their career…each and every game.”

- Associate Head Coach Cade Lemcke

AFANNA OFFOR ’16, NOAH BROOKS ’15 AND MAMADI DIAKITE ’16

4

THE RIDGE, SPRING 2015

“The athletes on this year’s team have worked hard on the court and in the classroom.

They conducted themselves as gentlemen throughout the year and have proved to be leaders of great character. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this championship season and to work with such a dedicated group of coaches and players.”

- Bill Ramsey ’83

able to see the games that

was winning, too. Blue Ridge had

a 26.1% shooting percentage

could have a different leading

followed due to being on their

earned their chance to play VES

overall in the first half.

scorer/rebounder every game,

Spring Break.

one more time.

In the second half, VES fought

their minds. Coach Ramsey has

Lack of student fans,

On Saturday, February 28, the

their way back. But Blue Ridge

a unique ability to get teams to

affectionately called the Ridge

team was ready. It had been

continued to rely on an entire-

play together and focus on the

Rowdies, would be a “sixth

fourteen years since a Blue Ridge

team effort to keep the lead. The

postseason. This season was

man” the team would dearly

basketball team had won a state

bench became very important

no different as we were definitely

miss. The Rowdies had created

championship, and the players

as 10 different players scored for

playing our best basketball when

an intimidating atmosphere

were hungry. They put together

the Barons with Malik finishing

it counted most.”

all season - an atmosphere in

a full thirty-two minutes of hustle

with 19 points and Scott finishing

which it was fun to both play

and grit, but VES would not go as

with 10. For the third time in

Bill, in his 20th season as Head

and coach. The varsity players’

quietly as it appeared they might

three days, Blue Ridge scored 65

Coach, has this to say about

reliance on team unity would now

in the first half.

points and pulled out the victory

this year’s team. “I have been

over VES by 11.

coaching basketball for a long

be more crucial than ever before.

and that was perfectly fine in

After ending the first quarter on

5

time now, and over the years

Blue Ridge played Carlisle in the

a 10-2 run and outscoring VES

Cade gives this perspective on

my teams have won numerous

semifinals on Friday, February

23-9 in the second quarter, Blue

the season. “This team had a

conference championships,

27, at Virginia State University in

Ridge built a commanding 41-17

lot of talent, but what impressed

made 13 final four appearances,

Petersburg. Again, Blue Ridge

halftime lead. The Barons were

us as coaches was how they

competed in 8 state championship

scored 65 points against Carlisle’s

5 of 9 from three-point range

bought into playing for each

games, and have now won 3

55. Mamadi scored 19 points in

while the Fighting Bishops were

other and playing like it was the

state tournaments. While I have

that victory while Malik and Scott

0-7 from long distance. The Blue

last game of their career…each

been blessed to have had the

added 13 points each. On the

Ridge defense held VES to only

and every game. This team

opportunity to work with and

other side of the bracket, VES

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL

Pictured above from right: Scott Spencer, Juan Porta, Paul Sienke, Noah Brooks, Afanna Offor, Jimmy Warren, Mamadi Diakite, Josh Colon, Aamir Simms, Malik Johnson, JeMeil King, Sasha Yadrishchenskiy, Harrison Burton, and manager Daniel Curran. Not pictured are Cole Jackson, Tae Watts, Jahlil Puryear and manager Noah Jessey.

coach many great teams and

group of coaches and players.”

players, I must say this year’s

Bill Ramsey VISAA State Coach of the Year

team ranks right there with two

In addition to Coach Lemcke,

VIC - Coach of the Year

or three of my best teams of all

Ramsey was assisted by

Scrimmageplay.com – Central Virginia Coach of the Year

time. My outstanding coaching

coaches Tladi Conway and

staff led by Cade Lemcke is

Bryan Puckett. The full roster

Malik Johnson

without a doubt the best staff

was as follows: Noah Brooks

VISAA State Player of the Year

ever to assist me. In addition,

’15, Harrison Burton ’15, Jimmy

VISAA 1st Team All-State

the student athletes on this

Warren ’15, Josh Colon ’16,

VIC – 1st Team All-Conference

year’s team have, as a whole,

Mamadi Diakite ’16, Malik

Scrimmageplay.com – 1st Team All-Central Virginia

worked harder on the court and

Johnson ’16, JeMeil King ’16,

in the classroom than any of

Afanna Offor ’16, Paul Sienke

Mamadi Diakite

my previous teams. They have

’16, Scott Spencer ’16, Tae Watts

VISAA 1st Team All-State

also conducted themselves as

’16, Sasha Yadrishchenskiy ’16,

VIC – 1st Team All-Conference

gentlemen throughout the year

Aamir Simms ’17, Noah Jessey

Scrimmageplay.com – 1st Team All-Central Virginia

and have proved themselves to

’16 (manager) and Ballard Earley

Mercer Invitational – All-Tourney Team

be of great character and leaders

’18 (videographer). The team

in the school community. It has

finished the season with an

Scott Spencer

been a pleasure to be a part of

overall record of 21-4.

VISAA 1st Team All-State

this championship season and

VIC – 1st Team All-Conference

to work with such a dedicated

Scrimmageplay.com – 1st Team All-Central Virginia Aamir Simms Scrimmageplay.com – Honorable Mention All-Central Virginia

6

THE RIDGE, SPRING 2015

BRS LACROSSE AN IMPRESSIVE FIVE-YEAR RUN A BRIEF HISTORY

A

ll sports programs

on to play for Wingate University,

experience ebbs and

Brown University, University of

flows over the years, and

Massachusetts, Team Korea,

the Blue Ridge School

Randolph College and Virginia

lacrosse program has certainly

Wesleyan respectively. Chazz

been no different. Many highs

has lit up the YouTube world with

and lows and in-betweens have

highlights of his professional

occurred since the Barons’ first

lacrosse career.

full season back in 1969 with Emory E. Jones as the coach.

The story of Blue Ridge lacrosse

Other lacrosse coaches such as

from 1969 to present will be

Bob Knauff and Rodney Rullman

more fully told at a later time.

led BRS lacrosse teams to very

We know we need to identify

successful seasons in the 1970’s.

many more alumni who made an impact on the program and/or

Just a few of the notable players

continued to play lacrosse after

from that era are Billy Moore ’75,

their high school days. Please let

Jimmy Moore ’75, David Townsend

us know if you are one of those

’75, Vern Daniels ’76, Lewis Scharff

alumni. And let us know about

’76, Hunter Francis ’77, Jonathan

the coaches and the big games

Green ’77, Monty Hill ’77 and Scott

you played.

Parrish ’77. Each of these players went on to play for such schools

This article will focus on the

as Salisbury, Washington

remarkable success of the

College, LeHigh, NC State,

lacrosse program in the past five

Maryland, UNC and UVA.

years. If our count is correct, twenty-eight BRS student/

In more recent years, such greats

athletes have been given the

as Andrew Barber ’01, Chazz

chance to play lacrosse beyond

Woodson ’01, Brett Newgaard ’07,

their high school years since

InWoo Chung ’08, Miles Herbst ’08

2010. That’s remarkable!

and Quinn Magner ’08 have gone

7

2010 The 2010 season began with a coach new to Blue Ridge School and, in fact, straight out of college. Nic Bell had just graduated from Brown.

His lacrosse credentials were impressive. He immediately inspired his players that first year to play with a winning attitude as they finished the season 144. Two seniors from that 2010 squad – Matt Delmonico and Michael Carlini – would earn a chance to play for Seton Hill and Guilford respectively.

2011 Nic followed up that season with a 16-3 campaign in 2011, and he was definitely developing young men into college players. Jared Capner went to Florida Tech, Mitch Cavallarin to HampdenSydney and Kody Te Kanawa to Dowling. Blue Ridge lacrosse was indisputably on its way back.

Coach Bell recalls two players, in particular, who had a significant impact on the program – Matt Delmonico ’10 and Tyler Pace ’13.

“Matt opened up the pipe line to other Canadian players. He was and still is a remarkable young man and happens also to be a super sportsman. He was our leading scorer in 2010. Tyler was a three-year guy who became an All-American while here. Both players have had successful college careers.”

Though Nic was at Blue Ridge for only two years, he made the most of it in the classroom and as a coach. “Blue Ridge was the perfect place for me to begin my passion. The administration and faculty made it easy for me to be successful with their unwavering support. I will always be grateful.” Nic is currently a college counselor, English teacher and the head lacrosse coach at the Trinity-Pawling School. He is once again leading squads through impressive seasons.

2012 Coach Bell turned over the reins of the Blue Ridge lacrosse program to Kyle Gardner in 2012.

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL

LACROSSE ALUMNI We’ve listed the colleges to which these alumni matriculated from BRS. Let us know if we missed you!

Andrew Barber ’01 - Wingate Chazz Woodson ’01 - Brown Brett Newgaard ’07 - UMass InWoo Chung ’08 - Plays for Team Korea Miles Herbst ’08 - Randolph Macon College Quinn Magner ’08 - Virginia Wesleyan

Cory Takahara ’12

Matt Delmonico ’10 - Seton Hill Michael Carlini ’10 - Guilford Kyle had been Nic’s assistant

with it. Then a ninety-minute

Mitch Cavallarin ’11 - Hampden-Sydney

during the 2011 season. Though

weather delay nearly did in the

Blue Ridge had experienced

Barons’ efforts. Christchurch

Jared Capner ’11 - Florida Tech

great success, victories over

quickly gained the momentum

Kody Te Kanawa ’11 - Dowling

two significant opponents had

after the delay and closed the

Spencer Achtymichuk ’12 - Saint Leo

still not occurred in quite some

gap. It was Dave McSkimming

time. One of those opponents

Garrett Chan ’12 - Queens University

who put Blue Ridge back on

was Woodberry Forest. Under

track in the 4th quarter with his

the leadership of Coach Gardner,

tenacious one-on-one defense

Patrick Googe ’12 - Ferrum

Blue Ridge scored victories over

against Christchurch’s top player.

Woodberry in both 2012 (11-10)

Jack Hamer ’12 - Virginia Wesleyan

The Barons sealed the deal

and 2013 (14-8).

with a crafty man-up play in the

David McSkimming ’12 - Seton Hill

waning moments of the game.

The other opponent was St.

Tanner Fisher ’12 - Chestnut Hill

Andrew Risse ’12 - Randolph College Cory Takahara ’12 - Seton Hill

Anne’s-Belfield. A victory over

On May 18, Blue Ridge would

the Saints nearly occurred in

face their cross-town rival in

2011, but the Barons came up

the state championship semi-

just short in overtime 16-15.

finals. It, too, was played on

Chase Fraser ’13 - University of the District of Columbia

The following year, however,

St. Anne’s home turf. Kyle

Blue Ridge would earn the

Tyler Klarner ’13 - UMass

has this memory of the game.

opportunity to play St. Anne’s

“Truthfully, we came out

twice. On April 17, the Saints

sluggish, allowing STAB to go

Quinton Pavan ’13 - University of the District of Columbia

would once again be victorious

up 2-0 early in the game. We

8-7. Now Blue Ridge would have

EJ de la Torre ’14 - Young Harris College

quickly got our feet back under

to earn the right to play STAB

us and more importantly found

again.

our competitive spirit as we

Dima Ferreira ’14 - Mars Hill

Nick Voso ’12 - Berry College Jared Arntzen ’13 - Hampden Sydney

Tyler Pace ’13 - Denver University

Ian DiSesa ’14 - Randolph College

headed into half time still down They did just that by playing

Rylee Marsh ’14 - Coker College

a couple of goals. The guys

Christchurch on the Seahorses’

came out in the 2nd half firing

Elliott Moore ’14 - Eastern University

home field in the quarterfinals

on all cylinders. Tyler Pace was

Max Morgan ’14 - Queens University

of the state championship. Blue

the guy who came up big in

Cal Tanner ’14 - Belmont Abbey

Ridge came out strong and

the 4th quarter as he put two

looked as if they might run away

goals away late in the game.

Travis Ward ’14 - Curry College

8

THE RIDGE, SPRING 2015

Varsity Lacrosse 2011 VIC and CAC Champions - from left to right, front row - Cory Takahara, David McSkimming and Garrett Chan; 2nd row - Coach Nic Bell, Coach Bill Ramsey, Jeremiah Willet, Tad McDermott, Stephane Kouagou, Jack Hamer, Mitch Klarner, Chase Fraser, Tyler Pace, Ty Klarner, Nick Hayes-Watts, Tanner Fisher, Brannon Schmidt; back row from left - Paul Voutsas, Jesse Thomas, Eric Fry, Patrick Googe, Mitchell Gays, Mitch Cavallarin, Kody Te Kanawa, Jared Capner, Matt Gill, Andrew Wilson, Zak Folks, Nick Voso, Thomas Bush and Jackson Maloney.

And then Cory Takahara sealed the game with a great clearing effort off of a loose ball in our defensive end to seal the game 7-5 in our favor. Watching our guys celebrate the win after leaving it all on the field will forever be a memory that I hold on to, and I’ll always be honored to have been a part of it.”

The team bonded in ways in 2012 that many teams hope to but very few accomplish.

Seniors Tanner Fisher, Dave McSkimming, Cory Takahara, Nick Voso and Jack Hamer as well as juniors Tyler Pace, Chase Frasier, Quinton Pavan and Jared Arntzen insisted on team unity, and it paid off.

Nine senior members of the 2012 team made it to the next level - Tanner at Chestnut Hill, Dave at Seton Hill, Cory at Seton Hill, Nick at Berry and Jack at Virginia Wesleyan as well as Spencer Achtymichuk at Saint Leo, Garrett Chan at Queens, Patrick Googe at Ferrum and Andrew Risse at Randolph College.

9

2013 In 2013, Blue Ridge once again found itself in a playoff run but was on the bubble. It would take a victory over St. Christopher’s to solidify a spot as one of the top eight teams.

The Barons were on the wrong end of a lopsided score as the first half drew to a close. To make matters worse, BRS’s “stud face-off guru” Jared Arntzen went down with an ankle injury. The outlook for the second half was grim.

In stepped second-string long stick middie Hunter Lyle. He took over at the face off and simply couldn’t be beaten.

Those possessions allowed Blue Ridge to score five goals in the last three minutes of the game to close the gap.

Kyle has this additional memory. “The final tally of the game came off of a big defensive stop by a pair of freshmen – goal keeper Sam Ross and close defender Noah Jessey. This gave Tyler Pace the opportunity to race the ball down field, draw the

attention of all of the St. Chris defenders and finally find Cal Tanner wide open off a beautiful feed from behind the cage. Cal scored his fourth goal of the game just as the last second clicked away, and the score read 16-15 in our favor.”

During that scoring frenzy, Kyle is fairly certain that every Blue Ridge player on the field touched the ball and meaningfully contributed to the final outcome of the contest. “It’s one of those games that every player on the team will reference later in life as an example of never giving up or losing hope no matter how grim the situation.

Keep competing. You never know what could happen.”

Members of the Class of 2013 who went on to play college lacrosse include Tyler at Denver University, Jared at Hampden-Sydney, Chase Fraser at the University of the District of Columbia, Tyler Klarner at the University of Massachusetts and Quinton Pavan at the University of the District of Columbia.

2014 Despite the team’s 5-11 record in 2014, they were in the VIC Championship final, which they lost to Covenant 16-11. The highlight of the 2014 season was a 7-6 loss to Episcopal in a game in which BRS led most of the way.

Eight members of the Class of 2014 signed on to play lacrosse at the following schools: EJ de la Torre at Young Harris College, Ian DiSesa at Randolph College, Dima Ferreira at Mars Hill, Rylee

Marsh at Coker College, Elliott Moore at Eastern University, Max Morgan at Queens, Cal Tanner at Belmont Abbey and Travis Ward at Curry College. Bryce Carter, current senior, has already signed to play for Queens next year.

Cal is finding early impressive success at Belmont Abbey. He started in his first collegiate season and was one of the leading scorers among freshmen. His team was ranked in the top 15 in the nation this season. He gives a great deal of credit for his success to his coach and the facilities at Blue

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL

1977 LACROSSE GAME TELEVISED ON WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS

C

oach Rodney Rullman, Blue Ridge lacrosse coach from 1975 to 1979, and Hunter Francis ’77, remember that day in June of

Celebrating a victory over STAB in 2012

1977 very well. Blue Ridge had soundly

beaten St. Anne’s-Belfield on graduation day to advance to the championship game the next

Ridge. “EJ, Dima, Rylee and

first-place Sewanee in overtime

afternoon against Albemarle High School in the

I are getting tons of playing

11-10 as he stopped twelve

TILT (The Invitational Lacrosse Tournament) at

time as freshmen. Coach

shots and posted a 54.5 save

UVA’s Scott Stadium. Cornell was to play Johns

Gardner gave us consistency

percentage. Also, Dima Ferreira

Hopkins in the National Championship game at

and structure, something that

and his Mars Hill team recently

the same location. Organizers thought it would

the School provides in general.

won the 2015 South Atlantic

be great for the sport if the high school game was

No matter the weather, we

Conference Championship.

played before the university game, but no one

had practice, even if we had

Other alumni who have been

expected what would happen next.

to be inside. Coach always

mentioned in recent posts are

created opportunities for us to

Garret and Max at Queens,

ABC’s Wide World of Sports was still going strong

improve our games. Many high

Rylee at Coker, Quinton at the

as ESPN was still a few years away. This would

schools do not have an indoor

University of the District of

be only the second NCAA National Championship

facility to compare with the

Columbia, Andrew at Randolph

lacrosse game televised by Wide World of Sports.

BRS field house, and we took

and Jack at Virginia Wesleyan.

Apparently, the plan was for ABC cameramen to use the high school game as a chance to check

full advantage of it. We also practiced in the fall, which other schools usually don’t do.”

2015 This year former assistant lacrosse coach John Hetzel

Cal’s successes this season have

has stepped up to take over

been mentioned several times in

the reins as head coach. John

the Blue Ridge Alumni Lacrosse

has accumulated a wealth of

Facebook group. Alumni

experience in a lacrosse career

Relations Director Rory Bosek

that has spanned five decades

’04 and other interested alumni

during which he has worked

frequently update this group

tirelessly as a coach, official,

with news about our graduates’

organizer and player.

continued success in lacrosse.

John began playing lacrosse A recent visit to the group

in high school. He captained

revealed that Nic Voso in

Kent School’s JV team to a

his cage position garnered

division title. In his senior year,

Defensive Player of the Week

he helped lead Kent to a 14-0

honors during this past season

record and the division title. At

with Berry. The team upset

camera angles, etc. before the NCAA game. As the game between Blue Ridge and Albemarle progressed, the cameramen liked what they were seeing and left the cameras rolling. Suddenly Blue Ridge’s game against Albemarle was being nationally televised! Blue Ridge lost 11-4 that afternoon before Cornell took the next game over Johns Hopkins.

Coach Rullman remembers that the heat was so brutal that afternoon that one of the Wide World of Sports cameramen actually passed out. Coach Rullman’s father, there to watch the high school game and film the NCAA game as a volunteer photographer, steadied the camera and continued the filming until Wide World of Sports could find a replacement. One might say that Wide World of Sports captured two excellent lacrosse games that afternoon even as it also captured the agony of the heat.

10

THE RIDGE, SPRING 2015

Nick Voso ’12

the college level, John played for

refereeing youth lacrosse in

the University of Virginia (UVA)

Charlottesville. He has also

during his fourth year.

remained active as a player by competing as an attackman for

After graduating from UVA,

the Charlottesville Herd. He is

John joined the University

thrilled to be in his first year at

of Kentucky’s club program

the helm at Blue Ridge School.

where he captained the team

SEVERAL OF OUR COLLEGE LACROSSE PLAYERS FACED EACH OTHER THIS YEAR:

and helped lead it to two

Because of coaches such as Nic

championships. He then moved

Bell, Kyle Gardner and current

to Europe. Within a year, he led

head coach John Hetzel, the

the Czech National Team as

Blue Ridge lacrosse program

head coach. He then spent all

is thriving. Next year’s players

of 1996 coaching the original

will benefit from practicing and

February 18th - Queens University vs Coker

six developing lacrosse clubs

playing on the new turf field,

February 21st - Mars Hill vs Coker

in neighboring Germany. He

which is currently being prepped

February 27th - Chestnut Hill

returned to the Czech Republic

as part of Phase One of the

in 1998 where he coached men’s

Baron Athletic Complex. All

and youth teams, and was head

indications are that the future

referee in the country’s six-team

for lacrosse at BRS looks more

league. John then qualified to

promising than ever.

play on the Czech National Team.

He concluded his Czech National Team player involvement at the 2003 FIL World Indoor Lacrosse

February 1st - Young Harris vs Mars Hill February 14th - Young Harris vs Berry College

vs Belmont Abbey March 7th - Mars Hill vs Queens and Eastern vs Virginia Wesleyan March 28th - Dowling vs Chestnut Hill April 4th - UDC vs Dowling April 8th - Queens vs Belmont Abbey April 11th - Chestnut Hill vs UDC April 15th - Virginia Wesleyan vs Randolph

Games in Toronto.

April 22nd - Virginia Wesleyan vs

Since returning to the USA

April 23rd - Randolph College vs

in 2004, John has remained involved in lacrosse on a variety of levels, coaching and

11

Tyler Pace ’13

Hampden-Sydney Hampden-Sydney May 2nd - Coker vs Belmont Abbey

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL

GROUNDBREAKING FOR THE BARON ATHLETIC COMPLEX

A

groundbreaking

“Investing in the campus is a

way, but we believe it will be built

new investments in a smart

ceremony for Phase

statement of organizational

to last,” adds Franklin.

sequence. Total capital cost of the

One was held on Friday,

health, and having this project

Phase Two is expected to

BAC is expected to be at or slight-

March 27, 2015. This

underway will help the School

follow in the winter and spring

ly below $2.6 million, inclusive of

phase includes the Track and

in many ways,” says Mr. Trip

of 2015-2016. This will include

all the planned elements plus a

Field Center, the Terrace, sig-

Darrin. He adds, “Few initiatives

the important work along

new maintenance endowment.

nificant infrastructure improve-

spur school pride and spirit with

Bacon Hollow Road that will

ments around and beneath

the same fervor as does new

feature new varsity grass fields,

those elements, and a paved

construction. I’m excited that

improvements to baseball and

75-vehicle parking and drop-off

prospective families consider-

multi-sport areas, a new golf

area for teams and spectators.

ing Blue Ridge will see this new facility as it emerges.”

The groundbreaking ceremony included addresses by Head-

“Student retention, admissions,

master Trip Darrin, Chairman

academic and athletic program-

of the School Advancement

ming, community relations – this

Committee Mr. Mitch Rue ’81,

Complex will be a boost to them

Blue Ridge student-athlete Jahlil

all,” says Mr. Darrin.

“Few initiatives spur school pride and spirit with the same fervor as does new construction.”

- Headmaster Trip Darrin

Puryear ’16, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr. Dickie

“At Blue Ridge, we don’t build

Brawley ’68.

any new facilities without also

practice facility, a new outer

securing new endowment dollars

entrance and the infrastructure

Total cash and pledges raised in

to ensure their long-term quality,”

needed for all of these elements.

support of the BAC now totals

says Associate Headmaster for

more than $1.9 million. Alumni,

Advancement and Admissions

This phased approach to con-

parents and friends alike contin-

Franklin Daniels. “The BAC will

struction allows the School to

ue to offer strong support as a

be the first construction of this

begin building sooner than orig-

sign of their confidence in Blue

scale on campus in nearly twenty

inally planned. Construction will

Ridge and in the positive impact

years, and our team is taking

continue in a way that gifts allow,

this Complex will have on all

extra care to be sure it’s done

ensuring that the fundraising

aspects of campus life.

well. It takes a little longer this

process continues to fuel these

To watch a live-stream of the construction go to www.blueridgeschool.com/support/live-streaming-of-the-bac

12

THE RIDGE, SPRING 2015

IT’S ABOUT FAMILY

Natalie Fehlner in the 2015 production of Pippin

O

ne doesn’t have to spend

the stage or work backstage for

of Fastrada. She remembers

before. Natalie, Catherine and

much time on the Blue

many more of the musicals.

Miss Sarah Henninger, faculty

Megan Murphy and Martha Berry

member at the time, doing the

were in the chorus of Barnum.

“doo dooing” off the stage.

At the age of seven, Natalie was

Ridge campus to realize that one very special

Life sometimes affords us

aspect of the School is the

opportunities to work our

family atmosphere. In addition

way full circle. This certainly

Natalie’s friend Catherine

theater. She remains convinced

to spouses, a visitor will see

happened recently with Jerry

Murphy, daughter of then

to this day that she could have

numerous children as well as

King’s production of Pippin.

Admissions Director Rob

played Barnum because she

cats and dogs sprinkling the

Frank had directed this musical

Murphy, probably put it best

could certainly keep up with the

campus with various degrees of

back in 1996. Nineteen years

when it came to the excitement

speedy singer-talking actor Jim

energy and voice. When Frank

later (February 20 and 21, 2015),

the campus children would feel

Dale, who had wowed audiences

and Dolores DeAngelis returned

Jerry’s production would give

as each musical rolled around.

on Broadway.

to the campus in 1992 to revive

Dolores and the Fehlner family,

“The Blue Ridge musical was

or begin drama and choral

in particular, a feeling of coming

the equivalent to the next big

The influence that these musicals

programs, they decided that

home. It was special for Jim

album coming out.” Catherine

had on the lives of faculty

the pets probably would not be

Niederberger as well. He was the

made this comment, by the

children is evidenced by the

particularly helpful. The children,

pianist extraordinaire for both the

way, as she watched the most

future choices that many of them

however, might prove to be a

1996 and 2015 productions.

recent performance of Pippin

made. Natalie explains, “I went

with her family. Natalie adds,

on to major in Musical Theater at

Gail Fehlner happened to

“We kids would buy the sound

CNU. Catherine Murphy minored

Among the faculty members

appear in Frank’s production

track of the Blue Ridge musical

in theater, and her sister Colleen

with a spouse and children was

of Pippin, and two youngsters

every year, and we’d learn the

graduated from the theater

Mr. Paul Fehlner. Yes, this fancy-

in the audience – Natalie and

words to every song. My favorite

program at VCU. My younger

footed science teacher would

Kelsey – have fond memories of

from Pippin was ‘Spread A Little

sister Kelsey majored in Musical

eventually appear in at least one

the performances. Natalie was

Sunshine,’ sung by Fastrada.”

Theater as well.”

of the DeAngelis’ productions,

ten years old at the time. She

and his wife Gail and daughters

remembers that the company

Frank and Dolores had given

That younger sister Kelsey

Natalie and Kelsey would light up

wore tie-dye long johns, and she

Natalie and several other faculty

first appeared in the DeAngelis

particularly recalls the character

children at the time a chance to

production of No, No, A Million

be in a musical a couple of years

Times No when she was seven

goldmine.

13

immediately hooked on musical

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL

Natalie Fehlner, Taryn Reynolds, Catherine Murphy, Kelsey Fehlner and Colleen Murphy

Frank DeAngelis and Natalie Fehlner in No, No,a Million Times No in 1999.

years old. She played a milkmaid

campus during the rehearsal and

“Dolores included the faculty kids

a third set of grandparents, and

along with Natalie, Catherine and

production time frame.

in the Christmas choir every year

for that I am the most grateful.”

Colleen.

and held separate rehearsals just Jerry was well aware of Dolores’

for us. Over the years she has

Natalie puts it all in perspective

Kelsey was too young to

beautiful singing voice and

dedicated many, many hours of

with these additional comments.

appear in the 1996 production

learned that Natalie, too, was

her time to my musical education

“Pippin was a reunion for the

of Pippin, and she honestly

very talented. After all, she had

through these rehearsals. I owe

DeAngelis, Fehlner and Murphy

didn’t remember much about

appeared in the Blue Ridge

much of my singing voice to Mrs.

families. It was my homecoming

it – until…a wonderful memory

productions of Bugsy Malone,

DeAngelis.”

performance after four years of

came flooding back to Colleen

Oklahoma, Our Town, Good

and her while watching the 2015

News, A Funny Thing Happened

production. They had watched

on the Way to the Forum, Barnum,

the DeAngelis production

Comedy Tonight, Damn Yankees,

together nineteen years before.

Godspell and Grease. Needless

“When Pippin prayed for the

to say, both Dolores and Natalie

dying duck, Colleen and I

were cast, and the table was

immediately looked at one

therefore set for a family reunion

another and began laughing.

of sorts.

Frank had made that scene

“Pippin was a reunion for the DeAngelis, Fehlner and Murphy families.” - NATALIE FEHLNER

self discovery in NYC. It was Her love for both Frank and

Dolores’ farewell performance (at

Dolores doesn’t stop there,

least for now). I think we all felt

pretty silly, and we remembered

What was particularly sweet for

though. “It was because of

the passage of time as Dolores

joking about it as children.”

Natalie was that she got to play

Frank’s willingness to include

sang ‘…Time to take time,

Fastrada. She was given the

faculty kids in his productions

cause spring will turn to fall in

One aspect of Mr. Jerry King’s

chance to sing “Spread A Little

that I found my love for the

just no time at all…’ The history

success in theater production is

Sunshine” on stage, and her “doo

theater. I was able to grow up

that our families have shared in

being aware of the talent he has

dooing” as she left the stage

around such readily available

combination with the audience’s

available. Dolores was about to

was the same “doo dooing” she

opportunities to perform as well

singing along with Dolores as she

make a move to California but

had heard years ago. And, yes,

as soak up any and all I could

belted ‘…it’s time to start livin’…’

would be in the Charlottesville

she was on stage with Dolores,

from these two very talented

made these performances very

area until after the February

a woman who has inspired her

and inspirational people. Most

emotional for each of us.

production of Pippin. Natalie

since she was very young.

importantly, though, they are like

would also happen to be on

14

THE RIDGE, SPRING 2015

JIM NIEDERBERGER A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER

J

im Niederberger was an

Sunday chapel services. Jim

ride climbed higher and higher.

He did have enough to pay the

undergraduate at the

was interested. The professor

He must have checked his wallet

fare plus a tiny tip. A return fare,

University of Virginia in the

contacted the School’s chaplain

three times during the trip.

however, was questionable.

fall of 1970 when he learned

Mr. Kettlewell (which is how

of Blue Ridge School. He had

the Reverend John Kettlewell

Jim also tried to admire the

Jim then played the early 1900’s

studied the organ before coming

preferred to be addressed). They

colorful fall oak and poplar leaves

pipe organ in the Gibson Memorial

to the university so he decided

agreed that the two would meet

to ask someone in the music

along with Music and Choir

department about playing one

Director Dolores DeAngelis.

occasionally. He asked a music

15

Jim’s talent and dedication that first Sunday was the first day of what has been a long and distinguished

professor if there was a pipe

As was the case with many UVA

organ on grounds. The professor

students in the early 70’s, Jim

took Jim to the Old Cabell Hall

did not have a car. Therefore,

Auditorium to show him the rarely

transportation to his interview

used and very old Skinner pipe

would present a problem. His best

organ that was in dismal shape.

idea was to call for a taxi. He had

and the many picturesque farm

Chapel for the first time. It was

Jim soon learned that several

no idea how expensive it would be

houses and outbuildings along

in need of tuning but in better

parts of the organ were not

so he took a few more dollars than

the way, but the length of the cab

shape than the much larger one at

functional.

he was accustomed to carrying.

ride was making him nervous.

UVA. Both Mr. Kettlewell and Mrs.

The taxi driver was pleasant and

He couldn’t lose his composure,

DeAngelis were very impressed

Then the professor told Jim he’d

chatty, which resulted in lengthy

though, because he had to play a

with Jim’s talent. They asked him

received a phone call from a

conversations about everything

few pieces on an unfamiliar organ

to come back that next Sunday

boarding school out in Greene

from UVA football to the weather

for the School’s chaplain and choir

and all future Sundays to play for

County. The School was looking

to civil rights. All the while, Jim

director. Jim sighed in relief when

the 11:00 AM chapel services.

for an organist to play for their

was focusing on the taxi meter on

the cab drove through the stone

the dashboard as the cost for the

gates and then to the chapel.

career at Blue Ridge School.

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL

“Mrs. D” was gracious enough

certainly not as early as he would

to drive Jim back to town. The

have liked. Mr. Kettlewell saw

twenty-mile-long journey again

a determined young man in a

allowed for a delightful and

rumpled suit pedaling across the

engrossing discussion, this time

dam toward the chapel with a bike

about Episcopal choral music and

basket full of Bach preludes and

the choir that would be singing

fugues, and he was even more

during chapel. Jim was paying

impressed with Jim than he had

close attention to what Dolores

been before.

was saying, again not taking notice of the route to his dorm.

After the service, Mr. Kettlewell asked the congregation of

Saturday – the day before his

students and faculty to give a

new gig as organist at Blue Ridge

warm welcome to Jim and made

School – rolled around. Once

it known that he had ridden a

again, young Mr. Niederberger

borrowed bicycle to Blue Ridge all

was in a quandary. He couldn’t

the way from the university. Some

afford another $20.00 (plus tip)

couldn’t believe he’d pedaled that

cab ride to the School. A friend

far. As a result, several kind offers

fortunately had a rusty blue

came from people to stash the

bicycle with a small metal basket.

bike in the back of their station

She wouldn’t charge Jim a dime

wagons and give Jim a ride back.

to borrow it.

He was appreciative and relieved.

He joined the students and faculty

This was to be his premiere

families in the dining hall after

performance in the historic and

chapel for Sunday lunch.

beautiful stone chapel. He wanted to make a good impression so he

After having Sunday’s big meal

decided he would arrive early to

with everyone at the School and

practice. He hadn’t paid a great

only knowing a few people, Jim

deal of attention to the length of

gazed about the large dining hall

his first trip out because of the

for those who had offered rides.

conversation with the cabbie. He

He recognized no one. All those

had paid even less attention while

nice people had already left. His

talking with Dolores during his

only choice was to make the long,

return trip.

grueling, hilly and tiring two and a half hour ride back to his dorm

A Meaningful Gift THE ANNUAL FUND

AT

nother year at BRS is rapidly coming to a close. The Class

2015 will join ourhas alumni ranksstructure in our traditional lakeside heof BRS Annual Fund a unique which encourages service on May 23rd, and our fiscal year will conclude on donors to direct their support to programs and people which Maythe 31st. mean most to them. Follow this link to review a comprehen-

sive list of options.

Our seniors are making their final preparations, and your BRS

Advancement Making a PackageTeam Gift: is working to bring the 2014/15 year across the finish line.donors have embraced package giving - a combiRecently, many nation that includes the Annual Fund and a capital or endowment initiative.

Thanks to more than 600 loyal alumni, parents and friends, BRS

has received more than $1.6M in new commitments thus far this While the BRS Annual yearsupporting – leaving only $170,000 to Fund go. is always encouraged, gifts for the Baron Athletic Complex, endowment funds and faculty housing areWhile also essential investments. all here are pleased and grateful, we’re not quite finished

yet!

To construct a package gift that is truly meaningful for you and Blue Ridge, please contact you Director of Leadership Gifts, JC Ignaszewski We also encourage to dedicate your gift in celebration of a at jcignaszewski@blueridgeschool.com or call 434-985-2811. family member or favorite teacher. These tributes are a point of

pride for the entire community.

Wearing a tweed suit, he hopped

that afternoon. Jim took his time

on the borrowed bike at 7:30 AM

pedaling back at a leisurely pace

BRS’ Annual Fund year closes on May 31.

and headed for Route 29 North.

as you might imagine.

JC Ignaszewski Director of Leadership Giving

He knew only that he was to turn left on Airport Road. Shortly after

It was about two or three weeks

O: 434-992-0510

pedaling past the airport, a road

after that strenuous bike ride

C: 703-477-7781

sign read Blue Ridge School

to the Blue Ridge campus that

jcignaszewski@blueridgeschool.com

14 miles. Jim now realized he

Mr. Kettlewell helped Jim find a

needed to pick up his pace to

vehicle he could just barely afford

arrive anywhere close to 9:30.

from a man who sold used cars in

Fortunately, it was a cool autumn

Stanardsville. Jim Niederberger’s

morning. He managed to make

talent and dedication that first

his way onto the campus when

Sunday was the first day of what

he was scheduled to arrive but

has been a long and distinguished career at Blue Ridge School.

This article about Mr. Jim Niederberger is an excerpt from Mr. Peter Holland’s (Class of 1966) history of Blue Ridge School as an all-boys boarding school. Please contact Mr. Holland to share your Blue Ridge story: jpholland4@gmail.com. This work in progress will be published soon.

16

THE RIDGE, SPRING 2015

FIELD TRIPS

SENIORS

JUNIORS

FRESHMEN

T

SOPHOMORES

his spring, all students

Code was tested during the very

JUNIORS

for Others, and SOME (So Some

participated in charac-

challenging three-day experience.

The juniors traveled to West

Might Eat). The sophomores also

ter-education field trips

Virginia where they worked with

prepared a dinner of shepherd’s

They completed landscaping for

the Appalachian Service Project

pie, cole slaw, salad and garlic

each grade. These trips took

Camp Holiday Trails – a tradi-

repairing homes in impoverished

bread and then ate with home-

students and accompanying

tional camp in the foothills of the

rural areas. The trip gave the ju-

less guests that evening.

faculty off campus from April

Blue Ridge Mountains designed

niors a chance to work alongside

15-19. Each trip was designed to

for children with special health

people who are less materially

encourage the boys to learn the

needs and began building a

FRESHMEN

fortunate. The boys also spent

The freshmen spent four days

benefits of community service

shed for the Albemarle Housing

an afternoon white water rafting,

on a Wilderness Adventure trip

and to gain a greater understand-

Improvement Program.

which gave them a chance to

at Eagle’s Landing located in

overcome physical discomfort,

southwest Virginia in rugged

physical challenge and fear itself.

wilderness surrounded by the

designed specifically for

ing and empathy for those less fortunate.

The seniors also conquered various aspects of the high ropes

These trips were part of the

portion of our challenge course

year-long theme of examining

here on campus and hiked over

the question: “What do we really

16 miles, including over 4,000

know about poverty” – the theme

feet in elevation. Along the way,

for this year’s Character Educa-

they performed various challeng-

tion Program.

es that tested their teamwork and fitness.

SENIORS

17

The 12th grade trip gave the

The seniors spent Saturday at

seniors a chance to demonstrate

Camp Albemarle, where they

that they have internalized the

participated in guided discus-

ideals of the School’s Code of

sions and reflection to give

Conduct. Every aspect of the

seniors a chance to think through the major life transition from high school to college.

SOPHOMORES

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The boys

The sophomore trip began with

completed team building and low

two college visits on Thursday

ropes exercises. They learned

– Mary Washington University

about camping and securing

and The Catholic University of

gear and food as well. The trip

America. The rest of the trip was

included short hikes, caving and

devoted to community service.

zip lining.

Working with the Youth Service Opportunities Project (YSOP)

For photos of all four trips, go to

in Washington, DC, the boys

http://blueridgeschool.smugmug.

worked with several organizations

com/20142015-Academic-Year/

including Seabury Resources for

Character-Education-Field-Trip.

the Aging, A Wider Circle, Food

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL

IN MEMORY OF ANDREW BARBER ’01 Ridge, remembers, “He was a very personable young man.

He listened to his coaches. He had energy and passion, which made him fun to coach.” Chazz

Andrew “...drank every drop of happiness everywhere that he could find it.” - Kathleen Serge

Woodson ’01 adds, “He was a guy who everyone respected. We thought highly of him on and off the lacrosse field.”

William Ballenger, who taught

T

abilities and in our love and

how to be very successful in the

respect for him. He always will be

business world.”

a true Blue Ridge Boy.”

Andrew during his sophomore

After his four years at Blue

year in European History and

One of Andrew’s many friends at

Ridge, Andrew attended Wingate

he Blue Ridge School

coached him in wrestling, relates

Blue Ridge was Henry Sanders

University where he continued

community was deeply

“I will never forget his first

’01. Their relationship captures

to play lacrosse. He eventually

saddened to learn of the

wrestling match of his senior year

very well what made Andrew

graduated from Hodges University

passing of Andrew Blair

against a Fork Union grappler

stand out from the crowd. He

with a Bachelor of Science in

Barber ’01 on Friday, December

who, suffice it to say, had a

was up for any adventure. And

business administration and

19, 2014, in a kayaking accident

physique that scarily resembled

he answered every dare. Henry

was subsequently employed by

near Sanibel Island, Florida.

that of a championship-winning

recalls, “What I liked most

Executive Leadership Solutions.

weight lifter. The guy was

about him is that he wasn’t a

Andrew was preceded in death

absolutely stacked. The Blue

complainer. He accepted what

Andrew was blessed with many

by his beloved grandfather Brad

Ridge wrestling room was utterly

life gave to him and dealt with

friends who were very important

Bullock, Sr. He is survived by his

silent when his bulging opponent

it. We were both up for wacky

to him, and he touched many

mother Kathleen B. Serge and

pranced cockily onto the mat.

behavior at every turn because

people throughout his short

her fiancé Dr. David Preiss; his

The collective mood in the air

we both sensed even during our

life. The legacy that Andrew

grandmother Pat Groseth and

was a palpable one of pity and

high school days that the way

leaves behind is one of love and

her husband Clark Groseth; his

anticipated gore tantamount

to grab the most from life is by

friendship, and he truly made the

uncles and aunts Bradley and

to an overmatched David

being a little unconventional.”

world a better place. He will be

Danna Bullock, Thad and Minnie

against Goliath. But what we

Bullock, and Bruce and Amanda

learned that afternoon was that,

Bullock; and his six first cousins.

unsuspectingly, the Barons had a

diamond in the rough who would

Andrew first attended The O’Neal

win that match that day and go

School after his family moved

on to have a wrestling season

to Pinehurst, North Carolina,

that probably surprised even

in 1995. He then attended

himself.”

continued into his adult life. He

Kevin Miller was Andrew’s hall

but he was so much more than

parent his freshman year and

that.” His Blue Ridge friends

worked with Andrew through the

knew him as a gifted athlete as

years in the Fishburne Learning

well as a positive, funny, kind,

Center. “Andrew came here

caring person passionate about

as a round-cheeked, tentative,

his beliefs and always seizing

worried little freshman and

every moment from every single

graduated four years later as

day. Kathleen remarks, “As a

a self-assured ‘big man on

direct result of the hard work

campus’, confident in his own

of all of his teachers at Blue

Blue Ridge from 1997 to 2001.

Andrew was known on campus for his quick smile and sharp wit in addition to his athleticism.

He played football, was an allconference wrestler and was an outstanding lacrosse player.

Rob Waters, who had the pleasure of coaching Andrew during his senior year at Blue

Andrew’s mother Kathleen adds, “As a child, Andrew always reminded me of an exuberant, happy Tigger. He was thrilled with the wonders of the world, great and small, and that was definitely a ‘sporty guy,’

Ridge School, Andrew learned

greatly missed.

A memorial service to celebrate Andrew’s life was held on Saturday, January 10, at Brownson Memorial Church in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Blue Ridge also wanted to recognize the positive impact he had on his classmates and faculty. Alumni lacrosse players wore a patch on their sleeves commemorating Andrew during the annual alumni lacrosse game on Saturday, May 16, 2015. A tree was also planted by the pond from which Andrew pulled so many bluegills – by whatever means — and dedicated on May 16.

18

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL 273 Mayo Drive St. George, VA 22935

THE GROVES FAMILY LEGACY TUITION PROGRAM The Groves Family Legacy Tuition Program honors Robert W. “Bobby” Groves, III ’67 and his

B

lue Ridge School is very

To celebrate and further en-

The traditional application process

proud of its alumni. Their ac-

courage this progression, BRS

will still apply for Legacy Tuition

complishments as students,

is pleased to create a Legacy

Program candidates. The Legacy

citizens and good men of

Tuition Program.

Tuition Program will follow a stu-

character will always be the finest measure of the School’s success.

dent as long as they are enrolled Beginning in September, 2015,

at BRS. It is the School’s hope

applicants to Blue Ridge who

that this program encourages

first alumnus to enroll a child at

In recent years, Blue Ridge has

have a family link to an alumnus

more BRS families to consider

BRS. Their son Billy Groves

become a family tradition for

or current student will receive

how their next generation might

graduated in 1995, and their

many. Sons, grandsons and

an alumni tuition scholarship

enjoy the benefits of Blue Ridge.

nephews Johnson and Robert

nephews of our alumni are

of 10%, applicable to the total

Stevens were equally successful

coming in larger numbers, as

amount of their tuition and fees.

here, graduating in 2003 and

are brothers, step-brothers and

2006, respectively. Blue Ridge

cousins of current students.

family. Bobby, with the full blessing of his and wife Anne, was the

To discuss this program in more detail, please contact Jamie Miller,

For those families who might

’94, Director of Admission, at

seek merit or need-based finan-

434/992-0428 or

and for the sterling example that

Our faculty and trustees see this

cial assistance, this scholarship

jmiller@blueridgeschool.com.

Bobby and his family have set.

as a tremendous compliment - as

will be offered in addition to that

well as a strong statement to the

assistance.

is incredibly proud of this legacy

marketplace about the value of a Blue Ridge education.