When Virtual Becomes Vital
R-MA’s Remarkable Pivot
Celebrating the Class of 2020 October’s Homecoming Postponed
In This Issue...
The Sabre
M a g a z i n e Summer-Fall 2020 | Volume 99 | Number 2
Rise Inside
Inside This Issue
Campus Happenings...................................................................... 2 Middle School Awards & Promotion Ceremony................................. 3
The Power of Leadership
Jonathan Bunker ‘20: A Legacy Leader.............................................. 4 New Leaders Join R-MA Board of Trustees......................................... 5 Ben Kopjanski ‘20 Finishes Strong................................................... 5
Feature Articles Graduation 2020: A Virtual Experience............................................ 6 Class of 2020: 211 Acceptances to 230 Colleges & Universities............. 8 When Virtual Becomes Vital...........................................................10 VA-091 AFJROTC Drill Team: The Power of Perseverance...................12 R-MA Creates the Yellow Jacket Emergency Fund.............................13 The Way Forward: Preparing for the 2020-21 School Year..................14 Homecoming 2020 Postponed........................................................16 Giving Day 2020: Rising Above........................................................16
The Power of Service
Mission Trip 2020.......................................................................... 17 Student Services’ Refreshing Renovation.........................................18
Rise Beyond Class Notes................................................................................... 20 The Final Roll Call........................................................................ 20
Published by Randolph-Macon Academy Editor: Celeste M. Brooks P’12,’21 Photography: Misti Walters Copy Editors: Christine Meyer and Jenny Walton The Sabre is published twice a year for alumni/ae, parents, students, and friends of: Randolph-Macon Academy 200 Academy Drive | Front Royal, VA 22630 Phone: 540-636-5200 | Fax: 540-636-5419 www.RMA.edu | sabre@rma.edu
Affiliated with the United Methodist Church
Board of Trustees RADM John D. Stufflebeem '70, Chairman Mr. John Simar ’68, Vice Chairman Mr. Harry G. Austin III ’75, Secretary Mr. Brian Bogart P’03, ‘07, Treasurer Mr. Eric Anderson ‘88 Dr. Bill Bersing ‘85 Mr. Joe Hadeed '84 Mr. Stuart Hester P'16 Ms. Lucy Williams Hooper Mr. Doug Huthwaite ’69 Ms. Patty Keenan Mr. George Mathias ’54 Ms. Pamela McInnis Mr. Edward Morris ’97 Mr. Alonzo Neese III ’01 Ms. Lawrencia Pierce Ms. Katie Tewell ‘97, P’22 Ex-Officio Members Mr. Robert “Bo” Snitchler ’06 Dr. Rev. Steven Sumners
President Brig Gen David C. Wesley, USAF, Retired Randolph-Macon Academy admits persons of any race, gender, color, religion, nationality, and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. R-MA does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.
Yellow Jackets, When I’m offered the opportunity to write a letter for an upcoming edition of The Sabre, I usually smile, open up Microsoft Word, and leap into an explanation of the great exploits currently underway on the Hill. When I got that same opportunity for this issue, I confess that I sat back in my chair, looked out the window at our always-beautiful campus, and could not think of where to begin.
From the President’s Desk
I’ve read a lot more and understood a lot less lately than at any point in my 58 years on God’s earth. I hesitate to add my words to the myriad of discussions underway, but my military training and experience compel me to step forward and offer inspiration when times are tough. That’s both my job and my natural inclination as a human being. I believe I should say something encouraging. Something true and meaningful. Something worthy of R-MA and what she has done for all of us. Personally, the separation from our students since March this year has been a real challenge. Without them, I do not feel I should “dress up” to come to campus. Without the noise and commotion they bring to our halls, I don’t walk around as much. The place is like someone else’s house, and not our home. Had national events like those of the past few months occurred with our students on campus, we would have assembled over in Boggs Chapel and had the sort of open discussions that have always made me proud to be a part of the Yellow Jacket nation. We would have talked about diversity, equality, and justice. The R-MA community is a microcosm of society, and we are in a unique position to have those open discussions. But with COVID-19, the key ingredient, our student body, is missing. I’ve written and engaged with students on ZOOM sessions, I’ve talked with their parents about their fears and expectations, and I’ve reflected on the remarkable progress the Academy made this spring under challenging circumstances. I’ve prayed and I’ve studied and I’ve listened to the views of all who will talk with me and I know now: we must return to in-person school here this Fall. Our graduates are our best effort to be a force for good in all the ways our world so desperately needs. So, for those who wonder: R-MA will open on-time and on-campus (see story on page 14). We will follow those health and safety rules the Commonwealth and the CDC recommend and require, and we will go to school together. We will work and we will inspire each other by our own example. If the virus comes to our campus, we will quarantine our teammates, treat them and feed them until they’re well, and move forward together. Our primary focus will be on leveraging the unique insularity of our campus to protect us. There will be less traffic coming onto campus, and less of our boarding population leaving campus. Many of you have already heard that we’ve postponed Homecoming 2020 and its accompanying reunions to Homecoming 2021 (see story on page 16). That, too, is part of our effort to ensure we can start on campus and stay on campus until the break. One thing is for certain: we’ve kept our promise for the 128th time. Take a bow, Class of 2020! 56 seniors with 211 college acceptances (100% acceptance for the 13th year in a row) and $5.2M in competitively awarded scholarships; and 8 Falcon Scholars, all of whom received appointments to the Air Force Academy, worth another $3.2M in scholarships. Well done. Thank you to all who’ve made this most unusual year a successful one for R-MA, and go Jackets!
Warm regards,
David C. Wesley Brigadier General, USAF, Retired President The Sabre Magazine | Summer-Fall 2020
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Campus Happenings
R i se
INSIDE
R-MA Takes Double Honors in 2020 “Best for Families” Awards
Two Private Pilots Cap Off Successful Year for Flight Program
Randolph-Macon Academy has won two honors in the 2020 Washington Family’s Best for Families awards! The Academy has been named Best Private High School and Best Overnight Camp. These awards were determined by the 50,000 visitors to the Washington Family Magazine’s website who voted in the annual contest.
In early June, two of Randolph-Macon Academy’s most recent graduates earned their private pilot certification, an impressive accomplishment for any individual, but especially a high school senior dealing with the restrictions of COVID-19.
“This outstanding honor is a testament to the amazing dedication and tireless efforts of our faculty and staff,” said R-MA President Brigadier General David C. Wesley, USAF, Retired. “They have demonstrated ‘The Power of Rise’ throughout this year, from the opening of our new Enterprise and Leadership Lab, to the implementation of our inaugural January Term with its amazing, interactive classes, and the pivot made to online classes as a result of COVID-19.”
Upper School Takes First in AMCSUS Logic Bowl Randolph-Macon Academy’s Upper School Logic Bowl Team took first place in the national competition held by the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS) in late 2019. The award winners were then announced during the AMCSUS Conference, which was held at the end of February in Washington, DC. The team of eight students had to answer as many questions as possible during the timed test. The questions were both concrete and abstract, and required the students to apply logic and work together to provide answers. The R-MA team conducted the required tests in the Hadeed Innovation Lab and submitted their answers prior to the December 2019 deadline. The test was so challenging that none of the competing teams finished all of the questions. In the end, there was a three-way tie for first place among Randolph-Macon Academy, Army and Navy Academy (Carlsbad, CA) and Marine Military Academy (Harlingen, TX). Brig Gen David C. Wesley said, “The teachers and their students have scored a superb victory. I congratulate our teachers, whose tireless work has made this impressive achievement possible. I am very proud of our students for their dedication. Well done by all!”
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The Sabre Magazine | Summer-Fall 2020
On June 1st, Johnathan Ellis and Jacob Gehly both earned their certification. Johnathan trained with R-MA instructors Ryan Koch and Thomas Zinn, and finished up with Liberty University graduate Nathan Welch. Jacob also worked with Mr. Koch, in addition to R-MA flight instructor Geoffrey Peterson and R-MA alumnus Parker Overstreet ‘17, a Certified Flight Instructor.
Jonathan Ellis ’20, Private Pilot
“While I flew some with Jacob,” Mr. Peterson said, “both Parker and Jacob asked me if they could work together as fellow R-MA brothers to complete the training. What a great idea!” In expounding the difficulty of earning a private pilot certification, Peterson said, “It is a major accomplishment for an adult. To be accomplished by a high school student is rare. Despite a very unusual and chaotic situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatened to derail the entire effort, we found a way to get it done. It should make everyone involved proud.”
Jacob Gehly ’20, Private Pilot
This was an exceptionally successful year for the R-MA Flight Department. Including Connor Gamma ‘20 earlier this year, the Academy turned out four Upper School private pilots. Tyler Stanford ‘20 and Drew Schwentker ‘22 also achieved their first solo flights earlier in the school year. In addition, seven students earned their Remote Pilot In Command UAS commercial pilot certifications.
Middle School Awards & Promotion Ceremony Moves Ahead on Virtual Platform by Celeste M. Brooks P’12, ’21, Director of Communications
David Nelson ‘24, the first of the two student speakers during the ceremony, said he remembered being frightened during his tour of the school. “But,” he admitted, “my parents believed that R-MA was the best place for me to have more social contact with my peers. They knew I have a strong independent streak, so they knew that I could handle the boarding aspect. David said he went from having only a few friends to “double, no, triple, maybe even quadruple” the number of friends he had before. He was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and became treasurer of the Student Council Association (SCA), as well as a starter on the soccer team. “These two years at R-MA David Nelson ‘24 was one of the two student speakers during the Middle have made me a better School Promotion Ceremony. person altogether. With my grades rising to be all A’s, I have improved as a student. With my understanding of the world increased, and maturity building, I have improved as a citizen,” he said. “And I would like to thank all of the students, teachers, and faculty for helping me with those changes. I am a living example of The Power of Rise.” The second speaker, Madagan Athey ‘24, expounded on what The Power of Rise has meant to the students this year. She noted the conversion to 1:1 computers a few years ago provided the faculty and students with the tools they needed
Madagan, who was the Communications Officer of the SCA, was named one of the two “Aim High” Award winners; the other was Justin Ngo, who was the President of the SCA. These two students were selected for their scholarship, character, and positive leadership throughout the school year. Both students were consistently named to the President’s List for their high GPA and were members of the National Junior Honor Society.
Justin Ngo ‘24 was named the Male Aim High Award recipient for the 2019-2020 school year.
Altogether, 34 eighth grade students celebrated the culmination of their Middle School journey through this virtual platform. The full video can be seen on the R-MA YouTube channel at youtube.com/randolphmaconacademy.
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Campus Happenings
Like the other Randolph-Macon Academy end-of-year ceremonies for 2019-2020, the Middle School Awards and Promotion Ceremony was pre-recorded and posted via YouTube Premiere, allowing viewers to chat with each other live. The video was presented on May 29, 2020, and featured all of the awards, musical performances and speakers of the traditional annual ceremony.
to communicate and continue classes seamlessly during the COVID-19 shutdown of Virginia schools. “This experience helped us learn and master something that will forever be instilled within us: The Power Rise,” she said. “The Power of Rise is truly what you believe it is. It Madagan Athey ‘24 was honored might be the power of with one of the two Aim High awards perseverance to some; and was also one of the Promotion others might say it is Ceremony’s student speakers. the power of failure and success. Many might say it is the power to overcome. However, it is all these things together that makes each one of us a scholar instead of simply a student.”
Th e Po w e r o f
LEADERSHIP
Jonathan Bunker ‘20: A Legacy Leader
A Class of 2020 Leader
by Celeste M. Brooks P’12, ’21, Director of Communications It can be difficult to be the last of your siblings to go through a school, especially when the older siblings were extremely successful. Recent Randolph-Macon Academy graduate Jonathan Bunker had two olders sisters graduate from R-MA--Caitlin in 2014, who was the Corps of Cadets Commander for Support in the Air Force Junior ROTC program and Salutatorian, and Emma in 2016, who served as the Corps Commander in her senior year. Mischievous and outgoing, it would have been easy for Jonathan to ignore his own potential and try to differentiate himself from his sisters in an unproductive way. Instead, he embraced his strengths and made his own mark at R-MA. Jonathan did not shy away from any challenges at R-MA. His competitive edge led to a strong academic record and memberships in the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, and the National German Honor Society. “I treated the class like a competition not between the students but with the teacher,” he said. His name regularly appeared on the President’s List while enrolled in honors and Advanced Placement courses, so no one was surprised by his selection as the Class of 2020 Salutatorian. “Jonathan always appeared to be laid back but when it came to his academics he was a very serious student,” commented Upper School history teacher Andy Harriman ‘82. “I always was sure his work would be top-notch with all commensurate research meticulously done.” The young man’s impact on R-MA did not stop there. “Johnathan is not only a great student, he is full of life. Where there is healthy academic, social, and athletic activity on campus, there is Johnathan Bunker. For years, he has served as an engine of the student body,” said Assistant Dean Derrick Leasure, who was also the Middle School Principal during Jonathan’s time there. This inspiring and natural leadership talent was evident in Jonathan’s selection to several leadership positions during his senior year. He served as the drill team commander, he was a leader on the athletic field and captain of the football team in his senior year (in fact, Athletic Director Frank Sullivan called him “a tremendous leader”), and he was elected Vice President
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The Sabre Magazine | Summer-Fall 2020
During his address at Class Night, Salutatorian Jonathan Bunker read an “open letter to R-MA,” stating the following: “Thank you. We all came from different paths, from different parts of the world, yet you took us in and taught us, even when we sometimes did not want to learn. You showed us diversity and culture and how to deal with people that do not look and think like you...and for that, we are grateful. You have watched over us since we were freshmen and remained with us as we have grown, and in the end, you gave us what we have been asking for since day one, complete independence.”
of the Senior Class. Drill team instructor and coach, TSgt Tina Laing, USAF, Retired, summed up Jonathan in this way: “I have no doubt he will be successful in whatever he gets involved in. I think one of his best qualities is his willingness to be there for his team. He spent countless hours tutoring and mentoring classmates from math to drill, from wrestling to personal challenges. He did all of this on his own without being asked and without most adults knowing. In the end he said something that stuck out to me: ‘I do not need awards, recognition, or trophies. Seeing those under my tutorship grow into strong and confident leaders, that’s all the reward I need!’ Jonathan gets it, and he’s grown into such a fine example and truly embraced the R-MA life and all it offers.” During Class Night, Jonathan was honored as the Salutatorian and named the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year as well. He will attend Norwich University in the fall to study history and international business. “I liked the feeling of something bigger than yourself there,” he said of Norwich, which has a cadet corps. “It also gave me the opportunity to play baseball.”
New Leaders Join R-MA Board of Trustees by Christine Meyer, Director of Advancement Three new board members have joined Randolph-Macon Academy’s Board of Trustees: Eric Anderson ’88, Edward Morris ’97, and Alonzo Neese III ’01.
Mr. Morris is the third member of his family to serve on the R-MA Board of Trustees, following his father, Newth Morris, III ‘69, and his great-grandfather, Arthur Newth Morris Sr ‘45. With a bachelor’s degree in digital imaging from the Brooks Institute and an MBA in international Edward Morris ‘97 management from the Swiss Business School in Zurich, Mr. Morris is a creative consultant, managing design, photography, marketing, and branding for small businesses. He is married to Jessica Werner Morris ’01 and is a full-time dad to MacKenzie (5), George (3), and John Michael (9 months). Mr. Neese served in the US Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer after his graduation from the US Naval Academy in 2005. He led small unit combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, deployed to South East Asia on a Marine Expeditionary Unit, served as a Social Aide at the White House, and completed the US Naval War College’s Command and Staff Program with distinction. In 2015, he moved to the public sector, first as a consultant with the World Bank
Leaders Who Make a Difference
Mr. Anderson rejoins the Board, having served from 2008-2017. A graduate of Shepherd University who earned his MBA from Virginia Tech, he is Chief Operating Officer for Clearwave Corporation, the market leader in self-service health care registration. In Eric Anderson ’88 this role, his responsibilities include managing operations, information security and HIPAA compliance. In 2019, Mr. Anderson played a key role in a successful private equity exit and continues to serve as COO during the next phase of Clearwave’s growth.
Group before moving to the financial services division of the World Economic Forum. He has a Master’s in international relations from Tufts University and an MPA in economic policy from Columbia University. In 2018, he joined the San Francisco-based consulting firm PegaSys Solutions. Alonzo Neese III ‘01
Ben Kopjanski ‘20 Finishes Strong After being named one of the top two cadets in the nation by the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the U.S. earlier in the year, R-MA Deputy Group Commander Benjamin Kopjanski ‘20 finished his senior year strong, earning the honor of being named both R-MA’s Class of 2020 Valedictorian and Best All-Around Cadet. “I attribute my success to the tutelage of all the mentors I have had,” Ben said. “Whether it was my family at home or my family at R-MA, there was always someone there to help guide me when I felt lost. I believe living away from home for five years at R-MA has helped me get outside of my comfort zone and as a result I have tried new things and made life-time friendships. This was truly the greatest benefit in attending the Academy.” Ben will now head to the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he plans to major in Marine Systems engineering. “I chose USMMA because it will give me a year at sea before I graduate and I will have the opportunity to serve our nation afterwards,” he said.
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Graduation 2020
Gra dua t i o n 2 0 2 0 :
A Vir tual Experience
by Celeste M. Brooks P’12, ’21, Director of Communications
Though separated by miles and even oceans, the Randolph-Macon Academy family united online to celebrate the graduation and successes of the Class of 2020. The Class consisted of 56 seniors and eight Falcon Scholars. The seniors garnered over $5.2 million in college scholarships along with 211 acceptances to 134 different colleges and universities around the world. Those universities included Brandeis, Drexel, Duke, Duquesne, Fordham, George Mason, Howard, James Madison, New York University, Northeastern, Purdue, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, The Ohio State University, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, University of California Irvine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland, University of
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During the virtual graduation ceremony on May 30, each cadet was featured on two successive slides. The first slide showed a digital copy of their diploma along with their dress uniform photo, and the second showed the cadet’s formal photo with their college choice and decorated wheel cap.
Pennsylvania, University of Richmond, University of Sydney, University of Toronto, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech, and other prestigious institutions. In addition, all eight of the Falcon Scholars earned an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. From Class Night and the Baccalaureate Service to the Ceremony itself, the R-MA graduates were honored through musical tributes, awards, speeches, and more. Dozens of parents and alumni sent in messages of love and support that were played before the graduation ceremony. Several past parents joined in on the YouTube Premiere event, offering their congratulations as well.
The Graduation guest speaker for the event was RADM John Stufflebeem, USN, Retired, a 1970 graduate of R-MA and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. While at R-MA, he was a varsity football player and went on to play at the US Naval Academy and then with the Detroit Lions. Upon returning to the Navy, he became a fighter pilot and a wartime commander, as well as the military assistant to the President of the United States. Stufflebeem is now an independent consultant and sole proprietor of the NJS Group LLC, a strategic and crisis communications consulting firm in Alexandria, VA.
“You may not realize how closely we have watched you and your development into terrific young leaders,” he said to the graduates. “We could not be more proud of you and happy for you, and we wish you well in what’s ahead. You have already done good things...the only differences between us and you are the experiences of life we’ve had since graduating. Take it on faith, many good things await you; the best is yet to come in life...to help create those experiences you first have to start by doing good things.” “Stuff will happen in your lives, both good and bad,” Stufflebeem pointed out, “but what happens to you is not nearly as important as what you do about it. The best way to tackle new challenges is to start by doing good things.” Valedictorian Benjamin Kopjanski also spoke during the virtual graduation ceremony, focusing on pulling the class together with encouragement and memories. “We’ve all worked tirelessly for this day - or not - but I think we can all agree that we’ve been through a lot to get this point,” he said. “Between classes, sports, cadre, clubs, societies, morning tours, and our social lives, we didn’t have much time to relax, sleep...or sleep, or even breathe. Sometimes we felt like we were pulled in every direction and that it would never end, but we finally reached the top of the mountain of high school where we can all see our accomplishments. We, the class of 2020, have been phenomenal.” Like most of the graduation week speakers, Ben addressed the pandemic head-on. “We’re all tired of this quarantine,” he said. “But do not let it get you down. We will come out stronger for weathering this storm, because we were so suddenly precipitated into it. Every moment of this quarantine is an opportune moment to learn, grow, and improve. If you take that axiom beyond the context of this quarantine, you’ll find
A Virtual Experience
His selection as the guest speaker this year held special meaning, as the Class of 1970 had adopted mentorship of the Class of 2020 four years ago; since then the two classes have eaten together, talked together, and gone on trips together. Stufflebeem kept his remarks short and to the point, with one recurring theme: “Do good things.”
RADM John Stufflebeem, USN, Retired, was the keynote speaker for the Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and one of the leaders of the 20/70 Partnership.
that you can accomplish anything. “When and if you’re feeling down, just remember all of our blissful memories and accomplishments. I remember when we went on a paintball trip with the class of ’70, all the International days, all the talent shows, that time we all sang ‘Party in the USA’ at the talent show for extra credit in [Brandon] Sloan’s class, when cadre went to VMI for the O-course, and when we definitely did not have snowball fights because that’s against the Cadet Manual. Remember when we were State Drill Champions, when we went to States for wrestling and swimming, when we went to the conference championships for basketball and soccer, when we went on the corps run…. Hold on to and cherish these memories as we embark on the next steps of our lives.” Ben’s speech was followed by the presentation of diplomas. As each graduate was announced, they were highlighted with their military photo and diploma, followed by their senior formal photo and their college selection, complete with their decorated wheel caps. The graduation ceremony closed with a touching virtual rendition of the Academy’s Alma Mater, recorded remotely by the R-MA Band and Chorus. While COVID-19 might have changed how the year ended, the success of this Class is aptly demonstrated by their impressive college scholarship offers and university acceptances. More importantly, as shown by the videos and the many tributes, the Class of 2020 will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the R-MA family.
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Class of 2020: 211 Acceptances to 230 Colleges & Universities Seniors and Falcon Scholars Combine for $8.4 Million in Scholarship Offers Margaret Acquaah Arizona State UniversityTempe
Class of 2020 College Acceptances
University of Nevada-Las Vegas Stetson University The University of Tampa
Joseph Afotey-Agbo Kean University Iona College LIM College Marymount University
Usran Awa Seton Hall University George Mason University Houston Baptist University University of Houston, Victoria Pennsylvania State UniversityAltoona Queens University of Charlotte The University of Texas, Tyler
Molayooluwa Babatunde University of Toronto Howard University Illinois Institute of Technology University of MarylandBaltimore County Northeastern University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Virginia Tech
Katherine Babineau Hollins University
Maria Ortiz University of West Florida
Jonathan Bunker Norwich University
Ryan Chienku Mary Baldwin University
Montgomery College Royal Holloway University of London
Case Western Reserve University Hampden-Sydney College
University of Alabama at Birmingham Cleveland State University University of Kentucky Liberty University The University of Memphis Norfolk State University University of Toledo West Virginia University
Tirenioluwa Bayo-Adeyemo The University of Texas at San Antonio University of Houston, Victoria University of Massachusetts, Boston Queens University of Charlotte Virginia Union University
Caitlin Broderick University of NebraskaLincoln Rosalie Brower Lord Fairfax Community College to UVA Albright College Mary Baldwin University New England College Norwich University Radford University Sweet Briar College
Nhi Bui Pennsylvania State University Iona College Marymount University Mount St. Mary’s University Maryland Pace University, Westchester St. John’s University
Falcon Scholars Congratulations to our Falcons Scholars for all earning appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy: Camryn Camarata Elizabeth Cassidy Kylie Haynie Ryan Hidalgo
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Rafael Maldonado Ryan Messer Blaze Williams Sam Wolf
The Sabre Magazine | Summer-Fall 2020
Lawrence Carvana James Madison University George Mason University
Jiaqi Chen University of WisconsinMadison University of California-Davis University of California-Irvine University of California-San Diego University of California-Santa Barbara University of South Carolina Fordham University The Ohio State University Boston College
Yinan Chen University of California, San Diego University of California-Davis University of California-Irvine University of CaliforniaRiverside University of Connecticut Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College George Washington University University of MassachusettsAmherst Purdue University-Main Campus The Ohio State University University of Washington, Seattle
Zhirui Chen University of Washington, Seattle University of California-Davis University of California-Irvine University of Florida University of Georgia The University of Texas, Austin
Quoc Chu Florida International University Ziyang Deng New York University University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign Pennsylvania State University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Alpha Diallo Hult International Business School-Boston Johnathan Ellis Liberty University Edward Fedzer Virginia Commonwealth University The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina Norwich University
Connor Gamma Liberty University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Montana State University, Bozeman Old Dominion University
Jacob Gehly Liberty University
Watson He Drexel University
Kristina Mullen Duquesne University
Reilly Schweigert-Opas Liberty University
George Mason University Bridgewater College Hofstra University James Madison University Norwich University
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina Mount St. Mary’s University Maryland SUNY Maritime College
Virginia Waddell Lord Fairfax Community College to UVA
Zibin Song University of CaliforniaIrvine
Liberty University
Elizabeth Norton College of Charleston
Haoyu Huang Michigan State University
Coastal Carolina University University of North Carolina Wilmington The University of Tampa
Auburn University University of Iowa University of Utah
Shane Kelly Washington College
Felix Obi University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
Bridgewater College North Carolina Wesleyan College
Christine Ogbuebile Pennsylvania State University
Benjamin Kopjanski U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Drexel University Loyola University Maryland Towson University
Virginia Military Institute
Marc Longstaff Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Florida Institute of Technology Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Shun Lu University of Sydney University of Technology Sydney University of New South Wales Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Monash University
Huong Mai Drexel University Duquesne University Fordham University James Madison University Lake Forest College Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Urenna Okoye Duke University Johns Hopkins University University of Maryland-College Park University of Pennsylvania Vanderbilt University University of Virginia-Main Campus
Michael Patterson Westfield State University Sophia Poe Lord Fairfax Community College to UVA Christopher Newport University James Madison University Norwich University Sweet Briar College
Citlaly Sosa Norwich University The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina Virginia Military Institute
University of Maryland-College Park U.S. Coast Guard Academy
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina Randolph-Macon College
Devin Wang Virginia Tech George Mason University Pennsylvania State UniversityAltoona
Jia Wang University of Connecticut Denison University University of MassachusettsAmherst Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg
Alan Williams James Madison University Radford University
Ronald Stanford Liberty University
Marcus Wimmer Agnes Scott College
Andrew Sullivan University of South Florida James Madison University Virginia Tech
Rongjian Tang Brandeis University University of Colorado at Boulder Fordham University University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign
Catherine Thomas Gap Year in Germany University of Nebraska-Lincoln
James Ross U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Grace Wagner Virginia Military Institute
R-MA Leads the Way
Josiah Herring Lynn University
University of California-Davis University of California, San Diego University of California-Santa Barbara University of Connecticut Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign University of Maryland-College Park University of Richmond Skidmore College Southern Methodist University Syracuse University University of Washington, Seattle
Aquilla Turk The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Taylor Wreath Lord Fairfax Community College to UVA University of Portland (Honors Program)
Wenhao Xu University of Virginia University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign
Tianze Zhang Arizona State UniversityTempe
Each cadet’s chosen institution is bolded and listed first among their acceptances.
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Leading the Way
TSgt Tina Laing goes through a finance lesson with one of her Aerospace classes online after all courses went virtual in March.
When Virtual Becomes Vital by Celeste M. Brooks P’12, ’21, Director of Communications
Randolph-Macon Academy students and teachers have truly embodied our mission, Inspire the Rise Within, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The R-MA administration had been carefully monitoring the situation since the coronavirus arrived in the U.S., and the faculty had begun preparing for closing the physical campus and moving to online classes. However, the rapid change to the situation in early March caused school officials to make that decision earlier than anticipated, and on March 12th, R-MA announced that Friday, March 13th, would be the final day of classes on campus. The teachers were given two work days, March 16th and 17th, to finish completing their lesson plans for online classes, and on Wednesday, March 18th, virtual classes began. The transition was nearly seamless. R-MA’s decision to invest in 1:1 technology two years ago now provided the necessary tools. The teachers continued on as if they had not been
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The Sabre Magazine | Summer-Fall 2020
issued a challenge that would change the way they conducted their day-to-day classes, and in some cases (such as PE) cause them to rewrite entire lesson plans. The students continued with a full class day schedule; while teachers sometimes “released” them early to work on assignments, the regular class day continued, complete with tutorial sessions, which kept the instructional burden on the teachers, rather than placing it on families. “I believe that having a consistent daily structure and online instruction has created some normalcy for both the students and myself,” commented Upper School history teacher Andrew Harriman ‘82. “On the first day of classes, the students were all genuinely happy to see each other...this level of connectivity has been extremely beneficial for them. I have enjoyed being able to stay connected as well and to continue doing what I love: teaching students.” Helen Babineau, P’20 and ‘22, commended R-MA leadership for the speed of their response to the situation and
for the program put in place. “As a parent of a senior and a sophomore, I have witnessed numerous classes functioning in ‘online’ mode,” she said during the first few weeks. “I can testify that my kids are continuing to learn and be challenged at home. If anything they look forward to their classes more than ever, because this is their only time connecting with others outside our family.”
“I have overheard a couple different class discussions and it’s great that the teachers are still providing a high level of instruction while having to deal with these circumstances,” another parent said in an email. The teachers certainly rose to the occasion, keeping in mind that “screen fatigue” could be an issue (yes, even to teenagers!) and that projects and engagement were key. Discussions were particularly important to helping the students stay connected in this time of social distancing. German teacher Steve Latham commented, “With 1:1 computers, it’s just like being in the classroom with a few modifications. I teach my students to become independent learners, which means we can work as a class and then I can have them watch the German news in 100 seconds, then come back and discuss it. Much of what we were doing looked like what my son was doing with college classes.” R-MA Assistant Athletic Director Brandy Hudson had completed her student teacher internship as a physical education (PE) teacher at a school with no gym, and logically thought that if she had been successful in that venue, she could rise to any challenge. This spring, however, she was a PE teacher with no gym and no students in her physical presence, yet she still made it work. “We all met as a class to discuss a health- or activity-related topic, depending on the course,” she said. “My students were required to send me their workouts through a fitness app that has a date, time and location stamp along with their stats (distance, pace, steps,...). It worked very well and it really gave the responsibility to the students to complete these active workouts.” The students, knowing that this virus might take the rest of the school year from them, had at first been devastated when they were told the campus was closing, but they came
Middle School Champs
Middle School Principal Tony Ballard also shared some comments that he had received from parents about the online learning experience. “We love that there is still structure in the day, students are still held accountable for reporting to class and getting their work done. It’s not one assignment at the beginning of the week and submit at the end of the week. The teachers are there every day and it’s monitoring progress,” wrote one parent.
Chaplain Joshua Orndorff and Chorus Director/Worship Leader Michael DeMato conducted virtual chapel services while Virginia Schools were closed due to COVD-19.
together in the virtual world in which they grew up, offering each other support and encouragement. The R-MA drill team produced a video designed to encourage drill team members around the globe, and 26 students gathered virtually for the first online Wednesday night Bible study, “The Beacon.” “Meeting everyone and sharing what we all have to people that care really makes us feel a little comfort,” JJ Banek-Gabelle ‘21 said about the Bible study. ”Since everyone is going through the same thing, it is nice that we all can relate to each other about what is going on.” After spring break, adjustments were made to the class schedule to reduce screen time. Mondays were set aside for tutorials, allowing more flexibility for teachers to meet with their students who were scattered around the globe. Classes were limited to one hour each on alternating days, ensuring the continuation of the solid instruction and college preparation that has been the R-MA student experience for 128 years. The “pivot” to online learning was a success, but R-MA faculty and staff members didn’t stop there. With campus still closed, it was impossible to bring everyone together to celebrate student accomplishments and graduation. Thanks to R-MA instructor Brian Kelly and photographer Misti Walters, the community instead celebrated the end of the school year through YouTube Premiere events, even allowing viewers to chat with each other live. These much-anticipated events included Class Night, the Baccalaureate Service, the Middle School Promotion and Awards Ceremony, and the Commencement Ceremony itself. These events are available for viewing on the R-MA YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/randolphmaconacademy).
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by Celeste M. Brooks P’12, ’21, Director of Communications
VA-091 DRILL TEAM: THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE by Celeste M. Brooks P’12, ’21, Director of Communications
Quitting isn’t an option. Randolph-Macon Academy Air Force Junior ROTC instructor TSgt Tina M. Laing has sought to instill this value into all of her students, but most especially in her two-time state champion drill team. The team worked hard to return to Nationals, where last year they finished eighth overall and their duet team took first place, while simultaenously striving to defend their state championship title. The COVID-19 pandemic took it all away. With Nationals less than two weeks away, TSgt Laing made the call that they would not be attending the event, as several members of the team suffered from medical conditions that put them in the high risk category. Two days later, on March 12th, R-MA made the decision to transition to online classes. With only one day left on campus, TSgt Laing decided that her students would create videos of their performances and submit them to The Sports Network International Team (SNI), the organization that puts on the National Competition. If for
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no other reason than to record it and put it online, she felt they had worked hard and they were going to finish what they had started. It wasn’t easy. The sudden announcement had stunned the students, who quickly realized that this might be the end of their school year, and for some, the end of their high school careers. Tears were flowing and several cadets couldn’t concentrate. “I’ve been here since sixth grade,” one student said to TSgt Laing, “and this is how it ends?” Another senior said, “I’m not ready. This just stole two months of my life. I’m supposed to be an adult now?” “That was why I was pushing them to get those performances done,” TSgt Laing later explained. “It was not about the competition. It was about finishing what they started. I was not going to let them walk away without closure. This was a culmination of their R-MA tenure.” Then the R-MA family began to show up. Faculty and staff members came into the gym and consoled students. Parents arrived and began recording the performances, while offer-
R-MA Creates the Yellow Jacket Emergency Fund by Jenny Walton, Alumni Engagement Coordinator
ing words of encouragement and support. Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, through a total of seven hours of practice and recording, the cadets worked their magic and delivered their performances. “It was pure grit and determination,” said TSgt Laing. “It showed the true spirit of who we are. That’s what makes drill so special to them and to me.”
Moving to an online classroom space in a matter of days, celebrating graduation with virtual pomp and circumstance, and staying connected even though activities on “The Hill” were postponed: the 2019-2020 academic year proved that the Yellow Jacket spirit prevails. “Randolph-Macon Academy made “the pivot” to address these challenges in the spring, and now the school is preparing to tackle the next obstacles,” noted Christine Meyer, Director of Advancement.
As the team departed campus on March 13th, they held out hope for the opportunity to defend their state championship, and that the Nationals competition would be held virtually, but the pandemic caused both events to be cancelled completely. They could not even be held virtually, as many schools had closed for the year and the drill teams could not come back together to record their performances.
With families facing uncertain economic times, students will require a higher level of financial assistance for the 2020-2021 academic year. The Academy must also update the 129-year-old facility so it can comply with CDC hygiene recommendations. To rise above those challenges, R-MA has created the Yellow Jacket Emergency Fund, with the initial goal to raise $100,000 by December 2020.
Schools across the U.S. have closed or taken their classes online as R-MA has done, but the members of the VA-091 Air Force Junior ROTC Drill Team did not go quietly. The R-MA Drill Team refused to quit. Instead, they pulled together in their darkest hour, and finished what they had begun. They demonstrated true determination, the deepest grit, relentless perseverance, absolute courage, and incredible heart. There are many words to describe what they achieved, but at R-MA we know it as…
“We cannot know how long this crisis will continue, but we must step forward to ensure our students’ learning will not be delayed by the ongoing struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said R-MA President Brig Gen David C. Wesley, USAF, Retired. “We’re adapting our programs and facilities to comply with potential long-term public health requirements for families who want an R-MA education for their children.”
THE POWER OF RISE.
We know members of our community are experiencing sudden and perhaps overwhelming financial hardships. If you are able, consider making a gift to the Yellow Jacket Emergency Fund. You can use the enclosed envelope or go online at www.rma.edu/gift and select Yellow Jacket Emergency Fund from the drop-down designation menu.
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The Way Forward: Preparing for the 2020-21 School Year
COVID-19 Response
Editor’s Note: At the time of print, the Randolph-Macon Academy COVID-19 Task Force had drafted an initial plan for the 2020-21 Academic Year. However, given the continuously evolving nature of this pandemic, please visit www.RMA.edu/COVID-19 for the latest information.
Even amid an early-summer surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide, the faculty and staff at Randolph-Macon Academy have leveraged lessons from last spring and made plans for what on-campus learning will look like in the fall.
present. Whenever the students leave their dorm rooms, they must have a mask on. Monitoring is an important part of keeping the R-MA community healthy. Faculty, staff, students, and parents may not come to campus if they do not feel well. For seven days prior to returning to campus, faculty and students must take their temperature and record it to establish a baseline temperature and to ensure that they are healthy upon their return to campus. Registrations in August are being extended to stagger arrival times, and all participants will be required to wear a face covering.
A Task Force gathered information from employees, parents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other organizations, creating a flexible plan for the 202021 academic year. This plan can be adjusted in compliance with guidance and requirements of the CDC, and the governments of the Commonwealth and the United States. Throughout this process and any future changes, Randolph-Macon Academy’s guiding principle has been and will remain the health and well-being of its community, while working towards a return to on-campus operations.
Day student parents are encouraged to take their child’s temperature before they leave home. Students who ride the bus will have their temperature taken before boarding. Upon arriving at the campus, Upper School day students will proceed directly to Melton Gymnasium for screening, and Middle School day students will report to Mast Hall for screening. Boarding students will have their temperature taken daily by the dorm staff. Education and orientation will be provided to train both students and faculty regarding the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
Students returning to campus this fall will adhere to the physical distancing and hygiene practices recommended by the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health. This includes practicing physical distancing, wearing face coverings/masks when in public or common areas, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer regularly, completing daily health screenings, covering coughs and sneezes, and refraining physical interaction such as hugging or shaking hands. Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces and conducting meetings virtually will be the norm.
A decision on the status of sports being offered this fall will be made on or before August 1 [editor’s note: this edition of The Sabre went to print on July 24]. This will give us time to process the Virginia Association of Independent School’s and the Delaney Athletic Conference’s “return to play” protocol recommendations and requirements. In the event that sport offerings are limited, R-MA will offer an enhanced intramural program for all grades, to include sport-specific skill training, as well as general physical conditioning programs with advancement to sport specific physical preparation.
Incorporating these changes into our community’s daily routine requires careful planning and solid structure. Classrooms and common areas will be reconfigured to maintain sufficient separation. There will be assigned seating for both classrooms and meetings, both to streamline the process and to assist with contact tracing in the event of an oncampus case of COVID-19.
Events that bring large numbers of people to campus have been cancelled or restructured. The Admission Office has not held an open house since February, and currently only offers on-campus tours to families who have already submitted application materials. Homecoming and its accompanying reunions have been postponed and replaced with a virtual gathering on October 17 (see page 16 for more information).
Everyone will be expected to wear face masks when in class, inside of buildings, or passing people outside. However, once a student is in his or her dorm room with the door closed, he or she may take off the face mask, even when a roommate is
To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to protect all members of our community, R-MA will continue with a consistent, thorough, and deliberate cleaning process. This process includes regular cleaning as well as the newest
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disinfecting technology to minimize contamination of hightouch points on campus.
Kisyl Housden ‘21 (above right) and her mom Kisyl sign in and have their temperatures taken by R-MA Nurse Fran Lipton during Pack Out Week, June 15-19, 2020.
Protocols have been established for the cleaning of all public areas at R-MA. The cleaning staff is using products which have a germ kill time of five minutes or less, and faculty and staff will be provided a spray bottle of disinfectant to use periodically throughout the day to disinfect all touch points, such as door knobs/handles, light switch, desks, and chairs. Teachers will disinfect surfaces after every class. In addition, disinfecting misting machines will enable staff to disinfect large areas and vehicles in 15 minutes. For more information, contact the Academy at 540-636-5200, or visit the website at www.RMA.edu/COVID-19.
Sophia Poe ‘20 (on left) and Aerospace Science Instructor CMSgt Matthew Lusson bump elbows in greeting during Pack Out.
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COVID-19 Response
This aerial of campus was taken during the spring by a drone piloted by Brian Kelly, R-MA’s drone instructor. This type of aerial photography is a skill students can learn once they return to campus.
HOMECOMING 2020 POSTPONED
GIVING DAY 2020: RISING ABOVE
In alignment with CDC and Commonwealth of Virginia guidelines, R-MA has made the difficult decision to postpone Homecoming 2020. Classes ending in 0’s and 5’s will be recognized alongside classes ending in 1’s and 6’s at Homecoming 2021.
by Jenny Walton, Alumni Engagement Coordinator
“This may be a disappointment to many – it is to the Academy as well,” said R-MA President Brig Gen David C. Wesley. “Homecoming and reunions are an annual highlight for alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff, but the health and safety of our community must come first.” Announcing the postponement decision this summer allows alumni who were making travel and hotel arrangements to adjust those plans. “While we look forward to the day when the community can gather safely in person, the Academy remains committed to connecting and engaging with its alumni, across the country and around the world,” noted Christine Meyer, Director of Advancement. Alumni can look forward to a series of virtual alumni events this summer and fall, on the second Thursday of each month at 5:30pm EDT. Topics will include community favorites like flight and band, as well as gatherings for groups like the R-MA waiters and athletic teams. R-MA staff will also be producing a virtual Homecoming experience to be released on October 17, 2020, to include virtual reunions for any classes that wish to hold them. If you have questions or suggestions for virtual gathering topics, please contact Jenny Walton, Alumni Engagement Coordinator, at jwalton@rma.edu or at 540-636-5343.
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Even faced with the turmoil created by COVID-19, the R-MA community made the second annual Giving Day a huge success: 234 donations, totaling $86,230! This 24-hour campaign brought together alumni, parents, and friends in support of the Academy’s Annual Fund. This important fund keeps the Academy on the cutting edge, powering the technology and training that made the pivot to online classes possible. “While the day was originally planned for late April, COVID-19 delayed it until May 19,” shared Christine Meyer, Director of Advancement. “But that didn’t stop the Yellow Jackets. This year’s Giving Day donors topped Giving Day 2019’s total by over $22,000, triggering nearly $25,000 in additional challenge gifts.” Donations came from 31 states – an increase over last year’s 24 - Washington DC, and the US Virgin Islands, and almost 12% came from first-time donors. “We are deeply grateful to all of these donors,” Meyer added. “So many people are facing uncertain employment and financial hardship right now – yet we were only two donors short of last year’s total. That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of family R-MA really is. Thank you!” Watch for information about next year’s Giving Day, slated for April 21, 2021.
T he Po w e r o f
SERVICE
by Celeste M. Brooks P’12, ’21, Director of Communications
Swan Quarter is home to Providence United Methodist Church, which has been called “The Church Moved by the Hand of God.” In 1876, the congregation offered to purchase the land on which the church now sits. The landowner turned down that offer, so the church was built elsewhere. On the day it was being dedicated, a hurricane hit the town. Floodwaters picked up the new church and carried it down the street, and it came to rest on the very parcel of land the congregation had tried to purchase before, with its front door facing Main Street. As one might infer, the owner decided to sell the land to the congregation after all! For R-MA Chaplain Joshua Orndorff, the fact that his group was able to stay in the church for this mission trip was almost like coming full-circle. “I first heard this story during my ordination service,” he said. “To have this be the site of our third mission trip was pretty special.” From this iconic home base, the students were able to complete several local projects. Chorus Director Michael DeMato and Band Director Ed Richards took a group to build a ramp, while a second group stayed at the church to work on cleaning, sanding, and general prep work for an upcoming painting job. English teacher Brandon Sloan and Rev. Orndorff took a third group to “Steve’s” to build a ramp and stairs--but more importantly, Rev. Orndorff asserted, to interact with the homeowner, Steve. “Most of the kids were able to spend time with Steve, talking with him or just watching a movie together,” he said. “Mission trips aren’t about projects; they’re about the people we’re helping. It was great that so many of our students got to know Steve.” Embedded in Rev. Orndorff’s memory are images of JJ Banek-Gabelle ‘21 walking Steve down the completed ramp and
2020 Mission Trip
Just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Virginia and most of the U.S., a group of Randolph-Macon Academy volunteers ventured out on a mission trip to help others. Twenty-three students and their chaperones returned to eastern North Carolina for the second consecutive year, this time traveling to Swan Quarter, NC, to assist with hurricane recovery efforts, leaving Friday, February 28th (the morning after the Military Ball) and returning to the R-MA campus on Wednesday, March 4th.
A group of R-MA students work on building a set of stairs and a ramp to a home in North Carolina. Photo by Brandon Sloan.
praying with him, then presenting him with a large-print Bible all of the workers had signed. The students worked other jobs in the area, rearranging a shed and enclosing it, demolishing a roof on a trailer and laying down the tar paper in preparation for a new roof, or painting and laying down flooring in a cabin. They were able to have some fun as well, visiting the site of the Wright brothers’ first flight in Kitty Hawk, NC. The success of the project wasn’t limited to the physical project and the reactions of the homeowners/caretakers. It extended into what Rev. Orndorff witnessed in his students, both during and after the trip. As racial tensions hit a new high in the U.S., he watched R-MA’s diverse group of volunteers come together to achieve a goal and share God’s love. “I had more people who wanted to do devotions than I had slots,” Rev. Orndorff said. Perhaps even more inspiring is the fact that before the mission trip, there were four students enrolled in the confirmation class; after the mission trip, the class swelled to 11. The annual mission trip has proven to be an integral part of Chaplain Orndorff’s hope for R-MA to be Matthew 5:14’s “City on a Hill,” a way for students to live out servant leadership and love. May it continue to inspire future students and make the light of R-MA grow stronger every year.
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Student Services’ Refreshing Renovation by Celeste M. Brooks P’12, ’21, Director of Communications While most remodeling projects have to be scaled back as unforeseen costs arise, the recent redesign of Student Services in Sonner-Payne Hall actually expanded, thanks to the dedication of the staff and the extra time provided by the COVID-19 campus closure.
air hockey table, students can enjoy a shuffleboard/bowling table, a ping pong table, a chess board/checkerboard, and various handmade wooden games that hang on the walls. Two new smart TVs will be added, providing better graphics for the students’ enjoyment.
The original intent was for the area to be painted and new floors to be installed over spring break, with a few extras thrown in, including a donated air hockey table. However, when Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered school campuses to close, Cadet Life Supervisor Cindy Wenzel offered to help paint the walls and the furniture as well. Uniform Store Manager MSgt Stephen Pederson, USAF, Retired, stepped forward to install the floors, saving the Academy thousands of dollars that could be used in other improvements.
The vending machine area now has a tabletop bar for a cafe-area feel, along with a water cooler paid for by the Parents’ Association and a popcorn machine that was donated by The Apple House. There is even a swap board for the students to post messages to each other.
Now Student Services stands ready for the students’ return in August. The light gray runs throughout the area, brightening it up considerably, with modern furniture that can be reconfigured for different purposes. In addition to the
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The transformation didn’t stop there. Day student lockers were relocated; the girls’ went to the girls’ dorm and the boys’ to the boys’ dorm, providing day students - who used to change in the bathrooms on the first floor of Sonner-Payne - with designated changing areas. This also helped open up the southern hallway of Sonner-Payne. In addition, the “old” flooring the volunteers pulled up was repurposed for use in The Jacket’s Nest school bookstore and the Uniform Store.
Innovation and Creativity
The Student Services makeover has brightened up the entire basement area of Sonner-Payne Hall, providing an invigorating area where students come together on a regular basis to socialize, play games, pick up packages, sign in and out, and grab a snack.
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R i se
Beyond
Alumni News & Class Notes Have news to share with your classmates and the Academy? Email it to alumni@ rma.edu for inclusion in the monthly enewsletter, The Dome Dispatch, and the next issue of The Sabre.
David Sullivan ‘68 advises that his first novel was published in late May 2020 by Coulter Boyd Media, LLC. It is a work of historical fiction titled “Audacious” and tells the tale of efforts to prevent the American Civil War by substituting the outcome of a highly sophisticated war game for actual combat.
Kent Werner ‘97 was selected as the recipient of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s 2020 Trainee Investigator Award for his project, “Poor Sleep Quality Predicts Serum Markers of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Deficits in Warriors With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.” Dr. Werner serves as an assistant professor in the department of neurology at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, and his research at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center focuses on the interaction of traumatic brain injury and sleep physiology with neurodegenerative disease.
THE FINAL ROLL CALL Since the last issue of The Sabre, we have received notification that the following members of the R-MA family have passed away. They are greatly missed, but they will remain in our hearts forever. (Note: Notifications received after June 18, 2020 are not included in this list.)
Otis H. Johnson, Jr. ‘37 February 4, 2020
Hampton A. Mitchell ‘53 February 20, 2020
David L. Bowers ‘55 July 5, 2019
David Sellers ‘70 has retired from teaching English, most recently at the Commonwealth Governor’s School and the International Baccalaureate. He and his wife Pamela plan to move to Greensboro, NC to be closer to family members.
Lake Tankersley ‘06 has been named president of the Georgia Association of Promotional Product Professionals (GAPPP). He has served on their board of directors for three years and will serve as president for the rest of 2020.
Dale J. Fox ‘55 May 8, 2020
John G. Davis ‘56 April 19, 2020
Nelson B. Smith ‘56 April 27, 2020
William G. Thomas ‘57 Anthony C. Pirczhalski ‘95 (now known as Anthony Carmen) shared that he earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University. Dr. Carmen is an Electronics and Computer Systems instructor at Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown, Delaware. He resides in Milton, DE with his wife, Dr. Kristin Carmen, and their children ages 11 and 9.
Emma Bunker ‘16 has been selected from more than 4,000 submissions to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Her topic will be “Understanding the Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease Associated Amyloid Beta on PLC.”
Former R-MA Trustee January 23, 2020
David C. Crowther ‘63 November 9, 2019
Daniel D. DeHart ‘67 May 6, 2020
Matthew L. Simar, II ‘85 April 8, 2020
James F. Adams ‘86 September 25, 2019
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Winner of TWO 2020 Washington Family Magazine “Best for Families� Awards Best Private High School and Best Overnight Summer Camp
Randolph-Macon Academy Class of 2020:
65 Graduates
211 Acceptances to 130 Different Universities
$8.4M
in University Scholarship Awards
R-MA is a co-ed university prep school with a distinguished Air Force Junior ROTC program, offering both day and boarding programs. Limited openings available for this Fall in grades 6-12. Scholarships and Financial Aid available.
Apply today at www.RMA.edu or call 540-636-5484.
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 your home, please notify R-MA of the new mailing address at alumni@rma.edu, or 540-636-5200. CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
The Yellow Jacket Emergency Fund:
Support for our students and faculty in the COVID-19 pandemic. You can help support students in need and assist with needed campus upgrades by mailing your gift in the enclosed envelope, or donate online at www.rma.edu/gift and select the Yellow Jacket Emergency Fund from the drop-down designation menu.