2015 Summer Arrow

SPRING 2015

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The Arrow

President’s Message Parents’ Days Alumni Weekend Graduation 2015 OHA Students Receive Scholarships

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 Mrs. Theresa Lazo Mr. Marty Parks Mr. Carl Rosberg Mr. Tom Saunders Mr. Jim Tapp Dr. Dennis Throckmorton Mr. Taylor Vaughan Mr. Harold Wingate P – Parent of OHA Alumnus

On the Cover – The Class of 2015 gathers at The Homeplace Restaurant on Senior Skip Day.

President’s Message

My favorite scene from one of my favorite movies is when the prison-weary character “Red” from Shawshank Redemption is provided opportunity to speak aloud to himself as a young man. The parole board asks, “What would you say to yourself?” With the seasoned perspective that evolves from a hardscrabble life, Red summarizes what he would tell his younger self. It truly is a poignant moment.

On Baccalaureate Sunday at the OHA President’s home a group of students gathered for Senior Breakfast noticed an old black-and-white portrait of yours truly—in kindergarten, some 45 years ago. Of course all the members of the class of 2015 got a big laugh at my expense. (Cowlicks and turtlenecks were really cool in 1969!) So, at the final morning assembly of the 2014-2015 academic year I brought that portrait into chapel and shared (like “Red”) what I would say to myself all those years ago if given the opportunity.

I spoke of how I would tell a six year-old Mike Groves to work hard, to play hard, to make good friends. I would tell him to love his family, to build healthy relationships with quality people, to love God with all of his heart and soul. I would remind him that God loves him very much.

I told the students that I would encourage the boy in the photo to find something meaningful to do in life; that the greatest gift one can receive is found in helping others. I would caution him that as he grows older his eye will be naturally inclined to details, so he should be wary of becoming overly critical or too judgmental … he should always take steps to see the best in others and not be drawn initially to the less flattering.

I would be sure to tell “me” that life will take you many places and that you will be given numerous opportunities to grow and develop— so, make sure to grow wherever you are planted.

Meaning can and should be found in every experience—both the good (like the turning of a tassel) and the challenging (when enduring failure).

Hope, hard work, and love are all very good things; learn to value your community, take responsibility for yourself and for your actions, embrace virtue, and make good decisions.

These are the things that I would tell me, that baby-faced boy in the portrait. And, as I shared my thoughts with the student body on the last day of school, it dawned on me that the bits of wisdom I would tell myself are precisely those lessons we try to share with our students each and every day on The Hill. Grow where you are planted, embrace and live certain core values, surround yourself with good people, work hard, and know in your heart that God loves you.

These are the lessons of life that usher our school forward day after day, generation after generation. Buoyed by such a worthy legacy, Year 137 for Oak Hill Academy begins now …

Follow Dr. Groves on Twitter @DrGrovesOHA.

Parents’ Days 2015

Parents’ Days 2015, held April 2nd and 3rd, 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 a career fair, an in-house horse show, a basketball exhibition and performance by our cheerleaders, recognition of the spring sports teams, a half-court shot contest, a college application presentation, and a book fair. 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 a play 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 approximately $8,500 with the proceeds being used toward the construction of a fire pit and stage at the new amphitheater. Oak Hill Academy would like to thank all of the parents and supporters who donated and bid on items and made cash contributions to the auction!

Alumni Weekend 2015 Schedule

FRIDAY, JULY 17TH

6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Alumni “Welcome Home” reception at Alumni Campus Store SATURDAY, JULY 18TH 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Reunion registration 11:30 – 12:00 Alumni meeting in Fletcher Chapel – class photos to follow Campus tours – led by current students and staff 12:00 noon Lunch and social time in Vaughan Dining Hall

Alumni News

1:30 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) All afternoon Noonkester Park open for swimming, hiking, etc.

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Music in the Park (live bluegrass music)

Bobby Wilson – ‘84 656 Crystal Lane Stradburg, VA 22757 Rwwilson65@yahoo.com

Terry Highfill – ‘68 3208 NW 2nd Place Cape Coral, FL 33993 Tessiemae33@aol.com

Chip Givens – ‘86 1257 Atokad Park Lexington, KY 40517 Elnardogivens4050@gmail.com

Kay Provence – ‘73 129 Jumpin Run Trail Rocky Point, NC 28457 provencek@outlook.com

Robert Claypoole – ‘94 55 Hampshire Glen Parkway Hampton, VA 23669 robertclaypoole@gmail.com

Norina Dove – ‘78 4652 West Arm Road Spring Park, MN 55384 njdove@michaleslaw.com Norina is a business manager and senior paralegal at Michales & Barbosa in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

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.

5:00 p.m.

Reunion dinner, silent auction, and party at Mississippi Pavilion in Noonkester Park

Betty Nelson Lukowski – ‘57 6500 Muller Road Ottawa Lake, MI 49267 Malsgal98@aol.com

Julie Lineberry Horton – ‘75 13578 High Meadows Drive Sale Creek, TN 37373 Julie and her husband Joe have moved from Virginia Beach to the beautiful mountains of Eastern Tennessee. They love their new home and surroundings!

SUNDAY, JULY 19TH

Deaths

Zylphia Barker Barnes – ‘42 Duward Elworth Hart – ‘44 Sammie Ray Halsey – ‘62 Larry Hillman Hopkins – ‘69 George Franklin Ayres – ‘65 Kelsey Ann Wingfield – ‘11

Donor Breakfast 2015

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. For more information on becoming a member of these giving circles or any of Oak Hill Academy’s other giving circles, please contact Mr. Tim Henry in the Development Office.

Oak Hill Academy proudly salutes our many donors.

HOMECOMING 2015

First Annual Homecoming On January 31, 2015, Oak Hill Academy hosted its first ever Homecoming Event in conjunction with three home basketball games. This event brought together our current students and faculty and staff with many Oak Hill alumni and former students.

Highlights of the day, in addition to the basketball games, were a colorful and fun Homecoming Parade across campus, tailgating with food and drinks provided by Oak Hill’s food service and several alumni and friends, and free t-shirts designed by current OHA students. The event was a huge success for the school!

The date for our Second Annual Homecoming has been set for November 7, 2015. We plan to host Homecoming on the first Saturday of November annually. Please make your plans now to attend and participate in this fun day at OHA.

Graduates Receive Scholarships and Honors The following members of the Class of 2015 were recognized during graduation weekend as receiving academic scholarships:

Justin Hill – Waxhaw, North Carolina – Bridgewater College (Academic Award); Lynchburg College (Alumni Award Scholarship

Andrew Awantang – York, Pennsylvania Austin Kloberg – Palm Beach, – Seton Hill University (SHU Florida – Flagler College (Presidential Scholarship) Scholarship, Flagler College Housing Grant, Florida Residents Access Grant) Yonatan Belayhun – Cary, North Carolina – Lynchburg College Jailaygne Mayweather – Glen Allen, (Founders Scholarship) Virginia – Randolph College (Merit Scholarship) Chris Benson – Savannah, Georgia – Stetson University (Faculty Scholarship, Reed Mingione – Chesapeake, Stetson Hope Scholarship, Margaret Virginia – West Virginia University Beach Scholarship); High Point (Blue & Gold Level 2 Scholarship); University (Presidential Scholarship Hampden-Sydney College (Presidents Award, Study Abroad Stipend); Berry Scholarship, Good Man Award); College (Academic Scholarship; High Point University (Academic Georgia Hope Scholarship); United Scholarship) Methodist Higher Education Foundation Scholarship Meme Ogbuefi – Abuja, Nigeria – DePaul University (St. Vincent de Paul Destiny Crickman – Fredericksburg, Scholarship) Virginia – Emory and Henry College (Academic Scholarship) Christine Richardson – Lewisburg, West Virginia – Longwood University Charlie Greenhouse – Marlboro, New (Longwood Merit Scholarship) Jersey – Evergreen State College (Evergreen Freshman Scholarship) Andres Rodriguez – Hialeah, Florida – Averett University (Averett Will Hall – Waldorf, Maryland – Supplement Grant, Academic Cabrini College (Woodcrest Award); Enhancement Scholarship, Founders Virginia Wesleyan College (Virginia Scholarship Wesleyan Award); William Peace College (Challenge Grant); Mount St. Eden Sileshi – Boston, Massachusetts Mary’s University (Leadership Award) – Dean College (Presidential Scholarship Award); Assumption Veronica Hartley – Alexandria, Virginia College (Presidential Merit – Ferrum College (Ferrum College Scholarship); Virginia Wesleyan Freshman Scholarship) College (Virginia Wesleyan College Award) Xinyi “Amy” He – Shanghai, China – Emory and Henry College (International Scholarship); Roanoke College (Visit Roanoke Grant, Faculty Award); High Point University (Academic Scholarship)

Cierra Thomas – Dumfries, Virginia – Averett University (Horizon Scholarship, Averett Assistance Grant); Iona College (Gael Scholarship, Founders Grant); Mary Baldwin College (Mary Baldwin College Grant); DeSales University (ARC Grant) Sidney Thomas – Dumfries, Virginia – Johnson and Wales University (Presidential Academic Scholarship); Iona College (Gael Scholarship); DeSales University (ARC Grant) Michelle Watson-Jones – Summerville, South Carolina – Wingate University (Academic Award Scholarship); Bridgewater College (McKinney ACE Scholarship, BC Diversity Grant); Centre College (Merit Scholarship); College of Charleston (Merit Scholarship) Trey Woody – Cornelius, North Carolina – Lees-McRae College (LMC Athletic Grant, Trustee Scholarship, Opportunity Grant) Joshua Yoon – Kyoungki-do, South Korea – University of Miami (Presidents Scholarship); University of Massachusetts at Amherst (Chancellors Award); Syracuse University (Presidential Award0 The following student-athletes were recognized for receiving scholarships: Dwayne Bacon – Lakeland, Florida – Florida State University Andrew Fleming – Franklin, Tennessee – University of Iowa Daniel Giddens – Mableton, Georgia – Ohio State University Terrence Phillips – Irvine, California – University of Missouri Josh Reaves – Fairfax, Virginia – Penn State University

College Acceptances 2015 Akron State University Appalachian State University Arizona State University Assumption College Averett University Berea College Berry College Bowling Green University Bridgewater College Bunel University London Foundation Year Cabrini College Cal Maritime Academy Campbell University Centre College College of Charleston Colorado State University David Game College Dean College DePaul University DeSales University Dominican University Elon University Emory and Henry College Evergreen State College Ferrum College Fisher College Flagler College Florida State University Foundation Year Regents University Glenville State University Great Oaks Technical School Hampden-Sydney College High Point University Iona College Johnson and Wales University Kutztown University

Lees-McRae College Lock Haven University Longwood University Aiken Technical College Lynchburg College Mary Baldwin College Massachusetts College of Health Sciences Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre Mount St. Mary’s University Murray State University Naropa University Norfolk State University North Carolina A&T State University Northeast Community College Northern Virginia Community College Notre Dame College Old Dominion University Ohio State University Penn State University Perdue University Portland State University Radford University Randolph College Roanoke College Seattle University Seton Hill University Shenandoah University Slippery Rock University State University of New York at Plattsburgh Stetson University Syracuse University Tampa University Temple University

University of Arizona University of Connecticut University of Florida University of Iowa University of Kent University of Kentucky University of Mary Washington University of Massachusetts at Amherst University of Miami University of Missouri at Columbia University of Nevada Las Vegas University of North Florida University of Toledo University of Virginia at Wise Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia State University Virginia Wesleyan College West Virginia University William Peace College Wingate University Youngstown State University

g n i r Sp Sports

Spring Time

on “the Hill”

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.

Janida Bonham Retiring!

THIRTY EIGHT YEARS. After thirty eight years of service to our school, Janida Bonham is retiring.

of our students than Mrs. Janida Bonham … and that means in forever. Consider these numbers, in my estimation, Janida has taught around 2,700 kids, in approximately 275 classes, for some 7,000 days over 50,000 fifty minute periods … and that doesn’t even count the 37 summer school sessions, and tutorials, and detentions, and the resource room, and advisee trips, warrior weekend trips, holiday trips, movie trips, dining hall duty, weekend duty, study hall, etc., etc., etc.

She has taught math, science, social studies. She has served as the campus store manager, business office assistant, the uniform coordinator (the kids called her the uniform police officer), the travel coordinator, and she is now Oak Hill Academy’s Dean of Faculty.

Task-oriented, willing to do any and all assignments, and ready at the jump to follow any instruction given to her, Mrs. Janida Bonham dutifully fulfills every task assigned here at her second home on the hill. Even this year, her roles keep evolving …. In February, in what was surely her most crowning achievement, she served as OHA’s first-ever Homecoming Queen.

There are a few carefully selected songs within a slideshow we are going to display on your behalf, and one of these songs is from the contemporary band One Republic, “I Lived.” Of course today we are acknowledging your retirement; this is not a funeral.

May 16 will represent the beginning of the next important chapter in your life. I thought the words to this particular song were especially fitting. “I hope when the moment comes you say, ‘I did it all. I owned every second that this world could give. I saw so many places; the many things that I did. With every broken bone, I swear I lived.’”

A lot has changed at OHA and in the world since she began her tenure here.

She has withstood the hippie movement, the post hippy movement, the 80s, the grunge movement of the nineties, the hint of technology as our future, and now the full immersion of technology as a way of life. Or, to put it another way, she has witnessed students listen to music on Vinyl Albums, Reel to Reel, 8-Tracks, cassettes, CD’s, MP3s and now I-pods. She has seen it all and heard it all. She has chaperoned kids at our spring formal from three different generations: baby boomer, Gen X, and now Gen Y, watching warily as their dance styles evolved … always willing to wade right into the mix and then watch the crowd disperse. But one thing has never changed—her unfailing love for and devotion to Oak Hill Academy and our students.

Mrs. Janida Bonham, my my how you have lived at Oak Hill Academy. Your influence here is unmistakable and significant. For your Thirty-eight years of service to Oak Hill Academy, we thank you so very much.

Following are Dr. Groves’ comments for Mrs. Bonham during her surprise retirement assembly.

Unashamedly old-school, the kids can repeat her mottos to live by from memory: “This is math class, this ain’t Burger King, you can’t have it your way.”

Dismissing breakfast, “let’s boot scoot, and boogie.”

And my personal favorite: When I ask her, Mrs. Bonham, how are you today? She used to always say “fat and sassy.” You know, I’ve never known how to respond to that, and she has not developed a new catchphrase since she became skinny! You will see in a few moments from some photos the remarkable physical transformation in Mrs. Bonham. Most folks look older when they get to retirement. She is fitter and skinnier than ever.

Perspective: Our school is 136 years old. Consider this: There will be very few people who will ever have a greater impact on Oak Hill Academy, and on the lives

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 110 years of service to the Academy and her mission!

Shawn Andrews – Technology Staff – 5 years Tiffany Bronson – Media Specialist/Librarian – 5 years Tricia Brooks – Spanish Teacher – 5 years Mikki Haas – Technology Teacher – 5 years Steve Hebold – Social Studies Teacher – 5 years Patricia Warta – Resident Manager – 5 years Kimberly Holt Manuel – Equestrian Assistant and Horsemanship Teacher – 10 years Darwin Wolfe – Administrative Assistant – 10 years Gary Crede – Director of Boys Resident Life – 15 years Tommie Sargent – Math and Business Teacher – 20 years Sid Finklea – Science Teacher – 25 years

Boys Dormitories Campaign Update Significant progress is being made toward the completion of the first of two new boys dormitories under construction. The Bradley Dorm is scheduled to open at the start of the 2015-2016 school year August.

This first of two mirror image buildings will provide state of the art housing for 14 of our male students, a resident manager’s apartment, recreation room, and study areas.

Construction of the second building, the Glenda Elizabeth Dixon Dorm, is scheduled to begin in July with a move in date of early spring 2016. These dorms will provide a great setting for our guys to live and learn while here on our campus.

We are pleased to announce that of the $1.1 million dollars needed to complete this project approximately $925,000 has been secured leaving us with only $175,000 remaining to be raised. There are still several internal naming opportunities available including 8 individual rooms at $10,000 each and a resident manager’s apartment at $25,000.

We would like to encourage all of our alumni and friends to join us in this campaign and help to secure Oak Hill Academy’s future for generations to come.

Season in Review The 2014-2015 Warriors set a high mark for future teams to achieve by winning 47 games in a row this season defeating multiple ranked teams along the way. The Warriors won tournaments in Hawaii and Missouri as well as several national weekend events from Los Angeles, California to Springfield, Massachusetts. Oak Hill was a top the national polls as the #1 team in the country for most of the season but fell short in the finals of the Dick’s National Tournament becoming National Runners-Up for the 7th time in school history with a record of 47-1. Dwayne Bacon was named a McDonald’s All- American (OHA’s 29th) and all five seniors signed with Division 1 schools (Terrence Phillips-Missouri, Daniel Giddens-Ohio State, Andrew FlemingUniversity of Iowa, Joshua Reaves-Penn State). Coach Steve Smith was humbled to be honored as the Naismith High School Coach of the Year for the third time in his career (2015, 2012, 2009) at an awards banquet in Atlanta on March 24th. Coach Smith is the only high school coach to receive this award multiple times and was proud to accept this award on behalf of his devoted players, hardworking staff, and supportive administration. Coach Smith and the 2014-15 Warriors thank everyone for their support throughout the season.

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

Laptops for teachers Smart Boards for Classrooms

Alumni Campus Store Tile

$500

Memorial Oak Tree

Current Giving Opportunities Anatomical Models (3 needed)

Other Giving Opportunities (partial list) $1,000

Named Display Case for Ussery Archives Room

$200-$600 each $750 each $3,000 - $5,000 each

$5,000

Named Scholarship Fund

$10,000

Technology Upgrade for Library

$15,000

Faculty Professional Development Fund

$50,000

Minivan for Student Activities

$20,000

6 Horse Trailer

$22,000

Gifts in Kind*

12-Passenger Van for Student Activities

$25,000

Backhoe or backhoe attachment for tractor

Halsey House Remodel and Upgrade

$50,000

Used vehicles, vans, or minivans 6 Horse Trailer *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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