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.