Arrow Summer 2013

The Arrow

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President’s Message Alumni Weekend Parents’ Day OHA Students Receive Scholarships Graduation 2013

Summer 2013

2013 Honor Graduates

2013 Junior Marshals

The Arrow is published by the Development Office of Oak Hill Academy and is distributed to alumni and friends of the Academy.

Oak Hill Academy • 2635 Oak Hill Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 276-579-2619 • www.oak-hill.net

President Dr. Michael D. Groves Board of Trustees Rev. Robert Bailey Mr. Kenny Bowen – ‘78 Ms. Bonnie Burke – P’07 Rev. Danny Collins Mr. Larry Conner Mr. Ralph Davis Mrs. Lisa Dockery Rev. John Duvall Mrs. Sidney Rose Fant Mr. Marshall Frank – P’08 Mr. Todd Fuller Mr. Dennis Gambill Mrs. Susie Garner Mr. Don Gibson Mr. Rex Halsey – ‘55 Mr. Rodney Halsey Dr. Thomas Harvey Dr. Wayne Landsman – P’06 Mr. Marty Parks Mr. George Pelton – ‘67 Mr. Carl Rosberg Mr. Jim Tapp Dr. Dennis Throckmorton Mr. Taylor Vaughan Mr. Harold Wingate

P – Parent of OHA Alumnus

President’s Message I love hearing Garrison Keillor tell stories about his fictional Minnesota town, Lake Woebegone. He closes his weekly tales with the familiar refrain … “Well that’s the news from Lake Wobegone, where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.”

This past year represents my fifteenth on “the hill,” and after looking over several of my President’s Paragraphs from the past, it seems as if I’ve begun to establish a pattern of my own when we close the academic year for Oak Hill Academy.

Typically, I offer something like: “Year (---) is now in the books; the Academy bell has chimed, the diplomas have been awarded, and the tassels have been turned. Year (---), here we go …” Okay, so I’m not as folksy as Garrison Keillor, but the comparison is at least “semi-legit” (as the students like to say!).

I’ve always enjoyed the structure and routine of an academic year. Seasonal adjustments provide opportunity for fresh perspectives, holidays and summer breaks are always just a few months away, yet there is ample time to settle in to a healthy routine—a pattern of living and studying that dovetails with the needs of our students and the mission of Oak Hill Academy.

Yet every year at our school is different. A tradition like “turning a tassel” may occur annually, but each school year is specific and unique, in large part because students and culture are always changing. At OHA we shall always honor our school and its legacy by participating in certain traditions, but the teenager of 2013 is not the teenager of 1878.

So, while it’s true that the needs of today’s teenagers are changing, such change is certainly nothing new. Every generation is always different. A recent Time Magazine cover depicted today’s teens as the “Me, Me, Me Generation.” Well, twenty years ago it was the aimless “Generation X,” forty-five years ago it was the hippie and “flower power” generation. It’s a fairly safe bet that twenty years from now the 2013 OHA

graduates will shake their heads in disbelief about “these kids today!”

I take pride in knowing that what we do at Oak Hill Academy embodies a few timeless truths. We believe strongly in the oldfashioned tenets of hard work, structure, and OHA’s unique blending of discipline and nurture—all of which results in our trademark personal touch. Of course the kids and their needs are always in flux, yet school traditions enable our students to associate with their alma mater in a manner that exceeds generations. I’ve often heard an alumnus returning to campus after several years, recollecting: “I remember the day when our class signed the plaques for the campus store wall … I used to sit in this seat in morning assembly … Oooh gross, we still have the gum wall!”

At Oak Hill Academy, the faces will change, the traditions are to remain, and the mission—well, it just keeps going and going.

And so, how else can I close this annual essay than with the words … “Year 134 is now in the books. The Academy Bell has chimed, the diplomas have been awarded, and the tassels have now been turned. Year 135 at Oak Hill Academy, here we go ….”

May God Bless, Michael D. Groves President

Follow Dr. Groves on Twitter at DrGrovesOHA.

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2013 Friday, July 12th

(Tentative Schedule)

6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Early registration for returning alums

Alumni “Welcome Home” reception at Alumni Campus Store Saturday, July 13th

10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Reunion registration

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Alumni meeting in Fletcher Chapel – class photos to follow 11:15 a.m. – noon

Campus tours – led by current students and staff

12:00 noon

Lunch and social time in Vaughan Dining Hall

2:00 p.m.

Gathering for tolling of the Academy Bell in

memory of those who have passed (followed by

ice cream social for alumni and families, current

students, faculty and staff at the Alumni Campus Store) 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Noonkester Park open for swimming, hiking, etc.

6:00 p.m.

Reunion dinner, silent auction, and party at Mississippi Pavilion in Noonkester Park *President’s message, music, and dancing

Sunday, July 14th

9:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Alumni brunch at picnic shelter on lawn of Hough Dormitory 11:00 a.m.

Worship service at Young’s Chapel Baptist Church

**Event locations subject to change due to weather, etc

ALUMNI NEWS Jo Ann Watkins Harvey – ‘65 P. O. Box 693 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Jo Ann was married to Carroll Harvey in April.

Emily Ware Shenal – ‘65 1628 Forest Highland Court Salem, VA 24153 Marsha Weaver Mills – ‘70 213 Olen Avenue Princeton, WV 24739 Michael Lowe – ‘74 600 Canotage Court Cedar Grove, NC 27231 David Bumgarner – ‘79 1310 Lewisville Clemmons Road Lewisville, NC 27023 David has a B.S. in physics from Appalachian State University and a MBA degree from Wake Forest University.

David Fowler – ‘84 949 N. Raleigh Street Angier, NC 27501 Amira Ebeid – ‘90 9 Abdel Moniem Riad Street Mohandesin Giza, Egypt Amira is a faculty member in the Economics and Political Science Department at Cairo University.

ALUMNI NEWS - continued Ahmed Elfendi – ‘91 27 Tag Eldeen Elshobaky Ard Elgolf, Heliopolis Cairo, Egypt El Safi Elsaghier – ‘93 21 Elbows A Elkadima Alexandria, Egypt Janie Parsons Griffith – ‘96 1702 Farm Springs Road Summerville, SC 29483

Amber Fox – ‘03 140 James Road, Unit 2A High Point, NC 27265 Amber is living in the Greensboro area and working for UnitedHealth Group.

Jasmine Lawrence-Erby – ‘10 296A Nassau Avenue, 3R Brooklyn, NY 11222 Jasmine is enrolled at Mitchell College in New London, CT. DEATHS

Cynthia Redfield Passes Away Former OHA employee and mother of Kathy Angle Wood (’85) and Tamara Angle Hitt (’88), Cynthia Redfield, passed away in April. Cynthia served as a dorm parent and administrative assistant at Oak Hill for six years. Her family requests that memorial donations be made to Oak Hill Academy.

Sue Cornett Bonham – ‘39 Grover Russell – ‘41 Mattie Bateman Silvert – ‘44 Joe Porter – ‘45 Doug Haverty – ‘72 Ahmed El Fiky – ‘96 Egypt Ahmed is an attorney in Cairo.

Virginia Zampella Murray – ‘97 4943 Park Road, #506 Charlotte, NC 28209 Virginia and Trevor Murray were married on April 1st.

Kathryn “Katy” Dryman – ‘03 465 School Lane Christiansburg, VA 24073 Katy is in her fourth year as a high school art teacher. Her first child was born in April and her family has recently purchased a home.

She is looking forward to celebrating her ten-year reunion during Alumni Weekend.

OHA Gym Chairs for Sale The time has come to replace the historic chairs that have served OHA’s Turner Gymnasium for over twenty years. Many NBA Players used these seats during their time on “The Hill” … Oak Alums like Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, Kevin Durant, Jerry Stackhouse, and Josh Smith … they all sat in these very chairs.

For $100 (plus shipping) you can own a piece of Oak Hill Academy’s tremendous basketball legacy. There is a limited number available.

(Please contact the Development Office for estimates of shipping charges.)

Donor Breakfast 2013 The annual Donor Appreciation Breakfast was held graduation morning on the lawn at the Hough Dormitory Picnic Shelter. This annual event honors the members of The Oak Club, The Founders Club, The President’s Club, The Red and Gold Club, and the Legacy Associates who support the mission of Oak Hill Academy.

Although unable to attend, the Dixon Family was recognized as the “Philanthropist of the Year”

by Dr. Michael Groves. The Dixon Family are excellent supporters of Oak Hill Academy and her mission.

Oak Hill Academy proudly salutes our many donors.

Parents’ Days 2013

Parents’ Days 2013, held April 18th and 19th, was a great showcase for Oak Hill Academy’s students.

Parents witnessed first hand all of the activities and ways our student body is involved in “life on the hill.” Thursday afternoon’s events included an inhouse horse show, a basketball scrimmage and performance by our cheerleaders, recognition of the spring sports teams, a halfcourt shot contest, and a college application presentation.

Everyone then enjoyed the Parent/Student Banquet in Vaughan Dining Hall.

The evening was capped off with music by the OHA chorus and pep band and two one-act plays by the drama club. Parents attended classes with their children on Friday morning followed by the President’s Forum. There was also a student art show throughout the two day event.

The annual Parents’ Days silent auction was once again a big success raising just over $8,000 with the proceeds being used to benefit the student activities program. Oak Hill Academy would to thank all of the parents and supporters who donated and bid on items and made cash contributions to the auction!

Graduates Receive Scholarship and Honors The following members of the Class of 20123were recognized during graduation weekend as receiving academic scholarships:

Jackson Klewan – Montclair, New Jersey – Barry University (Merit Scholarship); St. Leo University (Merit Scholarship and Grant) Kelsey Kyle – Ontario, New York – Kent State University (Trustee Scholarship, President’s Grant, and University Award); Rochester Institute of Technology (Merit Award)

Michael Betancourt – Jamaica, New York – Lynn University (Academic Scholarship) T. W. Bradshaw – Raleigh, North Carolina – Guilford College (Mission and Service Award) Kyle Claud – Henderson, North Carolina – Virginia Wesleyan University (Presidential Scholarship); Methodist University (Merit Scholarship) R. J. Curington – Dyer, Indiana – DePaul University (St. Vincent de Paul Scholarship) Ruixue Gao – Shenyang City, China – Michigan State University (Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship) Leena George – Belleville, New Jersey – Long Island University (Merit Grant); Pace University (Pace Incentive Award); St. Francis College (Academic Grant) Aaron Grossman – Charlotte, North Carolina – Emory and Henry College (Academic Merit Award) Victor Ieronymides – Nicosia, Cyprus – Rider University (Provost Scholarship) Kekoa Iskandar – Jakarta, Indonesia – Parsons New School of Design (Dean’s BFA Scholarship); Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD Achievement Scholarship and SCAD International Scholarship) Andrew Khoury – Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina – Charleston Southern University (selected as a Jairy C. Hunter, Jr. Scholar); Queens University (Academic Merit Scholarship)

Julian Naccarino – Sugar Land, Texas – Iowa State University (Award for Competitive Excellence, Initiative to Commend Excellence) Eric Ofori-Peprah – Owings Mill, Maryland – Michigan State University (Academic Award) Dillon Patin – Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Chowan University (Merit Scholarship and Leadership Scholarship) Sarah Peterson – Gaithersburg, Maryland – High Point University (Academic Scholarship); St. Leo University (Academic Scholarship); University of Tampa (Academic Scholarship) Conor Rowland – Troutdale, Virginia – Bridgewater College (Eagle Award); Lynchburg College (Trustee Scholarship); Roanoke College (Maroon Award, Bolton Award, and Kizer Award); Randolph-Macon College (Academic Merit Award) Kenny Stephens – Camp Springs, Maryland – Capital University (Academic Scholarship); Eastern Nazarene University (Academic Scholarship); Marian University (Academic Scholarship); Mt. St. Mary’s (Academic Scholarship); Wilmington College (Academic Scholarship) David Uponi – Calgary, Canada – Campbell University (Academic Scholarship) Edson Vences – Libby, Montana – Rocky Mountain College (Academic Scholarship); Great Falls University (Academic Scholarship) Josh Wilson – Annandale, Virginia – Roanoke College (Academic Scholarship)

Zacch Wooten – Phoenixville, Pennsylvania – Lynchburg College (Academic Scholarship); Pacific University (University Scholarship, Pacific Grant); Roanoke College (Bolton Award, Kizer Award, Faculty Award, and RC Supplemental Grant); Susquehanna University (Dean’s Scholarship, Visit Grant, and Susquehanna University Grant); Wittenburg University (Broadwell Chinn Award, Board of Directors’ Grant, and Residency Grant) TaeJoo Yang – Busan, Korea – University of California Santa Cruz (Academic Merit Scholarship); University of California Riverside (Academic Merit Scholarship); University of Minnesota (Academic Merit Scholarship) Tuo Zheng – Shanghai, China – DePaul University (Academic Scholarship); Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI Service Award) The following student-athletes were recognized for receiving scholarships: Nate Britt – Upper Marlboro, Maryland – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill R. J. Curington – Dyer, Indiana – DePaul University Lennard Freeman – Washington, DC – North Carolina State University Victor Ieronymides – Nicosia, Cyprus – Fordham University Ike Iroegbu – Elk Grove, California – Washington State University Sindarius Thornwell – Lancaster, South Carolina – University of South Carolina Troy Williams – Hampton, Virginia – Indiana Univerity

College Acceptances 2013 Andrew College (GA) Anne Arundel Community College (MD) Appalachian State University (NC) Arizona State University Barry University (FL) Bellingham Technical College (WA) Bridgewater College (VA) Bryant University (RI) California University of Pennsylvania Campbell University (NC) Capital University (OH) Carleton University (Canada) Catawba Valley Community College (NC) Charleston Southern University (SC) Chowan University (NC) Christopher Newport University (VA) Clemson University (SC) College of Coastal Georgia Daniel Webster College (NH) DePaul University (IL) East Carolina University (NC) Eastern Kentucky University Eastern Nazarene College (MA) Emory and Henry College (VA) Fordham University (NY) Frostburg State University (MD) George Mason University (VA) Guilford College (NC) High Point University (NC) Indiana University Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IN) Iowa State University James Madison University (VA) Johnson C. Smith University (NC)

Kent State University (OH) Kutztown University (PA) Liberty University (VA) Long Island Univ., Brooklyn (NY) Lynchburg College (VA) Lynn University (FL) Marian University (WI) Mary Baldwin College (VA) Methodist University (NC) Michigan State University Montana State University Morehouse College (GA) Mount St. Mary’s University (MD) Newberry College (SC) North Carolina A & T University North Carolina State University Northampton Community College (PA) Old Dominion University (VA) Pennsylvania State University Pace University (NY) Pacific University (OR) Parsons The New School for Design (NY) Queens University (NC) Radford University (VA) Randolph Macon College (VA) Rider University (NJ) Roanoke College (VA) Rochester Institute of Tech. (NY) Rocky Mountain College (MT) Rutgers University (NJ) St. Francis College (NY) St. John’s University (NY) St. Leo University (FL) Savannah College of Art & Design Atlanta (GA) Southeastern Louisiana University Susquehanna University (PA) Syracuse University (NY) Towson University (MD)

Trinity University (TX) University of Arizona University of California-Riverside University of California-Santa Cruz University of Great Falls (MT) University of Illinois-Chicago University of Kentucky University of Mary Washington (VA) University of Maryland Baltimore County University of Minnesota University of Montana University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of Rhode Island University of San Francisco (CA) University of South Carolina University of South Carolina Beaufort University of Tampa (FL) University of Virginia at Wise University of Washington Seattle University of Waterloo (Canada) University of Windsor (Canada) Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Wesleyan College Washington State University Western Carolina University (NC) Wilmington College (OH) Winston-Salem State University (NC) Wittenberg University (OH) York University (Canada) Youngstown State University (OH)

Dixon Garden Dedication The Pearl McKnight Dixon Garden and Entranceway at Oak Hill Academy was dedicated on May 3, 2013. The idea for this addition to the front of the Vaughan Administration Building was conceived by Mrs. Dixon’s children as a way to honor their mother for all of her philanthropic work and deep love of Grayson County.

Dr. Michael Groves presided over the dedication and Rev. Doug Turnmire opened the ceremony with prayer. Oak Hill student Lien Raets spoke briefly on what the new garden will mean to the OHA student body. Mrs. Susie Dixon Garner, daughter of Mrs. Pearl Dixon and current OHA Board member, shared stories and memories about her mother and what giving back to the community meant to her.

Mrs. Dixon’s children, Fran, Susie, Nancy, and Glen unveiled the memorial plaque while most of her grandchildren, friends from the community, the Oak Hill Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and student body looked on.

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Noonkester Social End of Year Picnic Always a highlight of the school year, the annual end of school picnic at Noonkester Park is a great way for students to relax and let off some steam before the beginning of “dead week� and final exams. There was something for everyone as the students ate, swam, rode paddle boats, played cards, tried the inflatable obstacle course, and competed in the golf shot contest. The evening ended with everyone around a bonfire reminiscing about the school year while anticipating the end of classes and graduation.

Spring Time on “the Hill”

Faculty Recognized for Years of Service Dr. Groves recognized the following faculty and staff members for their service to OHA during the graduation ceremony. These folks have a combined 125 years of service to the Academy and her mission!

Steve Smith – Athletic Director – 30 years Lisa Smith – Administrative Assistant to Principal, Athletics & Guidance – 25 years Tim Henry – Director of Development – 25 years Doug Turnmire – Campus Minister, Religion Teacher – 20 years Michael Groves – President – 15 years Wilbur Allen – Resident Manager – 5 years Laura Phipps – Business Office & College Placement Assistant – 5 years

Dr. Groves Selected for Executive Committee of VAIS Board OHA President, Dr. Michael D. Groves, has been selected to serve as Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. VAIS represents Oak Hill Academy’s primary agency for school accreditation and is a member of the Virginia Council for Private Education. VAIS has a membership of 88 schools and OHA is proud to be a member in good standing with such a quality group of independent schools.

Congratulations, Dr. Groves!

$1 Per Year Campaign Update In order to get as many alumni and former students as possible involved in the mission of OHA and listed on our Alumni “Honor Roll” the “$1 Per Year Campaign” was launched in 2011.

The “$1 Per Year Campaign” asks alumni and former students to give back to their Alma Mater by donating at least $1 for every year since they graduated from or attended Oak Hill Academy.

Our goal for 2013-2014 is to have as many alumni as possible listed in the Alumni Giving section of the “State of the Academy Report” and on our web site. We challenge all former students to give back to your Alma Mater in this easy and affordable way.

Thank you to the following alumni and former students who made a contribution to OHA between June 1, 2012 and May 31, 2013:

1930-1939 Hazel Bonham Ball 1940-1949 Ruth Hash Etter Gwyn Halsey Duward Elworth Hart Margaret Anderson Morris Delores Austin Moser 1950-1959 Rex Anderson Merle Watts Angle Dorothy Hash Billings Barrie Ann Brown Rex Halsey Edith McGrady Harper Nancy Brown Jackson Rex Liu Cleta Haga Roberts Dwight Speeks Robert Wilson

1960-1969 Ronnie Anderson Tom Barnard Robert Blackwell Billy Ray Cameron Jim Conway Keith Flory Jo Ann Watkins Harvey Donald Hasler Arnold Hatley John Hoffman Sandra Haines Hooks Joe Judkins Mike Kerby Rex Matthews Bill Minson Russell Montgomery Robert Murphy Larry Owens George Pelton Leslie Sims Pelton Otis Reamy Patricia Anderson Sexton Harry Sink Sarah Ussery Sink Ted Ussery Alton Vick Susan Worsham Vick Nila Stevens Wehrenberg Jerry Wells Judy Thacker Williams

1970-1979 Kenny Bowen Steve Bowen Diann Cramer Butler Lynn Smith Campbell Jeffrey Jefferson Eller Jeanne-Marie DuBose Halley David Higgins Elizabeth Douglass Hunting Kemper Holt Lillard Susan “Rusty” Moorefield McPherson Marilyn Rowe Cary Serif Joe Vanderdys 1980-1989 Andrew Gilleland Scott Monett Mike Rodgers Michelle Bailey Shaw 1990-1999 Alison Greenwood Dattoma Janie Parsons Griffith Stacy Eller Halsey Dave Sterrett Jimmy Warren 2000-2009 Randy Berry Jasmine Lawrence Jared Long

Wish List Are You Interested in Filling a Specific Need at Oak Hill Academy?

Other Giving Opportunities (partial list) Alumni Campus Store Tile

Current Giving Opportunities Music Stands – all have been purchased!

DVD Players – all have been purchased!

Digital SLR Cameras for Yearbook Staff (5 needed)

$500

Memorial Oak Tree

1,000

$40 each

Named Display Case for Ussery Archives Room

$50 each

Named Scholarship Fund

$10,000

Faculty Professional Development Fund

$50,000

$200 each

27” Television for Library – Purchased!

$300

Fund to Increase Faculty Salaries

DVD Recorder/VCR Combo for Library

$300

Gifts in Kind*

Photoshop – Purchased! $400

Boat for Fishing Club

Televisions for Academic Building (5 needed)

Musical Instruments – Accomplished!

$400 each

Television for Girl’s Dormitory – Purchased! $500

$5,000

$100,000

Backhoe or backhoe attachment for tractor

Elliptical Machine for Girls Dormitory – Purchased! $500 Anatomical Models (6 needed)

$200-$600 each

Digital Camera for Publications Class – Purchased! $700 Digital Microscope – Purchased!

$1,700

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

$2,000

Rosetta Stone Sponsorship for ESL Class$ Halsey House Remodel and Upgrade

Oak Hill Academy 2635 Oak Hill Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 Address Service Requested

2,800 $50,000

*Potential gifts are evaluated by the school for condition and suitability prior to acceptance.

For more information or to make a gift to Oak Hill Academy, please contact Tim Henry, Director of Development, at 276-579-2619 or thenry@oak-hill.net.

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