The Arrow
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President’s Message Parents’ Days Alumni Weekend Graduation 2014 OHA Students Receive Scholarships
Summer 2014
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
President’s Message
experiences. I’m sure the specific needs of my fellow 1981 high school graduates are not quite the same as the needs of the Class of 2014. (Think about an 8 track tape player versus an iPod.) Clearly, in order for our mission to be met successfully, we must understand our millennials. Textbooks, news articles, webinars, and seminars are all components of our school’s professional development. But sometimes a nugget of truth can emerge from a truly unexpected source. Recently I was reading an interview with comedian Louis C.K. With the insight of a tenured sociology professor, Louis C.K. noted a generational uniqueness of today’s adolescents: “Millennials often seem to mistake discomfort for unhappiness.” Hmmmmm. Wow. As a person who works regularly with and lives among 150 teenagers, I can tell you, Louis C K’s observation is spot on.
Year 135 on “The Hill” has drawn to a ceremonial close. With the turning of the tassel for our 45 graduates on May 17, our historic school has turned another page. This is indeed a monumental time for our students and for our school. Students and School. Bright-eyed “young” students graduating from an “old” school … That’s an interesting mix to consider. Picture a small group of energetic and optimistic adolescents perched on the cusp of adulthood, ready to take on an ever-changing world. And from where are they setting forth? From a community and place (in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia!) that embraces tradition, that values legacy and stability. Think about it: Oak Hill Academy was more than 115 years old when most of our recent graduates were born. So, how does an “old” school like Oak Hill Academy remain relevant to today’s tech-savvy students? First of all, the values we cultivate are timeless. In our pursuit of our school-wide character, for example, we emphasize routinely the core values of moral courage, community, responsibility, and transformation. Second, we are intentional in building relationships with and among all our students. At OHA, every student is embraced, encouraged, and—yes, sometimes—nudged and cajoled in order to reach full potential. And, lastly, since we all live here together, the faculty and staff must be diligent to learn as much as possible about the current generation because each generation of students has different needs and
I understand that it is not always easy for our students to be here (school dress, limited cell phone use, limited and filtered internet, school on Saturdays, church on Sundays …. “Hey, where do I sign up!”). So, it is no surprise that I’ve heard a bit of grousing in my time. However, I know that someday our students will come to value considerably the lifelong lessons learned right here on the hill because I am blessed with a perspective they cannot yet envision. You see, I get to witness alumni return to their beloved alma mater—recalling fondly where they sat with their friends in the dining hall, finding their name on the wall of the Alumni Campus Store, retracing their steps to Young’s Chapel Baptist Church for worship on Sundays. These traditions, these memories, are priceless. And, I am confident these memories will ultimately reflect for our graduates a time of tremendous happiness—with barely a trace of discomfort. Life on “The Hill” will be recalled as a time where a community of people cared for you so much that you were taught the value of character, where you were not allowed to hide in the back of class and not do your work, where you changed your future and embraced our school as your turning point. Year 136 begins right now—and OHA is as relevant as ever. May God bless. Michael D. Groves President Follow Dr. Groves on Twitter @DrGrovesOHA.
Parents’ Days 2014
Parents’ Days 2014, held April 17th and 18th, 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 in-house horse show, a basketball scrimmage and performance by our cheerleaders, recognition of the spring sports teams, a half-court shot contest, a college application presentation, and an academic forum. Everyone then enjoyed the Parent/Student Banquet in Vaughan Dining Hall. The evening was capped off with music by the OHA chorus and guitar students 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 $7,000 with the proceeds being used to construct an amphitheater and fire pit. 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 2014
(Tentative Schedule)
Friday, July 18th 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Early registration for returning alums Alumni “Welcome Home” reception at Alumni Campus Store Saturday, July 19th 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 Noonkester Park *President’s message, music, and dancing Sunday, July 20th 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 Billy – ’49 & Irma (Blevins) Layman – ‘50 5001 Evergreen Drive Farmington, NM 87402 Bandilayman3234@q.com Billy served in Korea in 1950 and 1951. He then attended the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University. He worked for and retired from the NSA after 31 years of Department of Defense service. Irma also attended the University of Maryland. Billy and Irma have been married for 63 years and have two children and five fantastic grandchildren! Lawrence “Larry” Pearson – ‘72 358/252 Moo. 12 Soi 6 Khaopratamnak Rd. Nongprue, Banglamung, Pattaya City Thailand Larry.pearson.norfolk@hotmail.com Larry is retired and has moved to Thailand. He fondly remembers his time on “the hill.” Lee “Luke” Foster – ‘74 Luke has traveled all his life with work and has settled in Nixonton, North Carolina (just outside Elizabeth City). His hobbies include fishing and professional drag racing and enjoying life to the fullest. He loves catching up with his classmates. Andrew Porter – ‘76 17 East Centre Street, Apt. 2C Baltimore, MD 21202 Porterandrew13@yahoo.com
ALUMNI NEWS Robin Thompson – ‘79 1050 S. Lake Drive Lancaster, SC 29720 Johnny L. Walker – ‘80 4907 Backwater Court Dumfries, VA 22025 Jdubbu777@gmail.com Johnny is an ordained elder at Harvest One Way Ministries. Cara Leinhardt Gruey – ‘81 23646 N. 118th Lane Sun City, AZ 85373 caraleinhardt@aol.com Edward Russo – ‘81 13786 Countrybrook Drive Frisco, TX 75035 edrusso@hotmail.com Becca Thompson – ‘81 2417 Dog Leg Trail McKinney, TX 75069 anythingbutaverage@gmail.com Robert Lee – ‘83 490 W. 7th Avenue W. Homestead, PA 15120 Rob00046@hotmail.com Robert has five children – ages 7-26. Sharon Rumpf Bellamy – ‘85 29 Waterford Way Wallingford, PA 19086 Wayne David Cox – ‘87 483 Barnett Drive, Lot 15 Kingsport, TN 37664 Reddot1969@gmail.com
Sean Miller – ‘89 5110 Shopton Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Shizz.milli@gmail.com Sean misses his Oak Hill friends and classmates and would love to hear from everyone! Stephen Drumm – ‘90 6284 Central Saanich Road Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8Z 5TZ Stephendrumm1@msn.com Stephen is working as a hunting & fishing guide! Jermaine Medley – ‘97 9 Dunsinane Court Silver Spring, MD 20906 j.medley@me.com Jermaine is a mortgage loan officer in Maryland. Richard Joyce – ‘02 7046 Pershing Avenue St. Louis, MO 63130 Richard.g.joyce@gmail.com Richard is a wealth planning analyst at UBS Financial Services. Deaths Edith Paisley Murphy – ‘38 Ruby Ross Yakel – ‘38 Patsy Plyant Monhollon – 1940’s NG Dolores Austin Moser – 1940’s NG Mary Parks Barton – ‘49 Nancy Paisley Sage – ‘49 William “Bill” Hallmark – ‘62 Guy Burk – ‘65 Robert L. Murphy – ‘65 Lee “Scott” Beaty – ‘78 Diane Kitt Graham Fenton – ‘85 Charles Ray – ‘98 Mary Lee Murphy – former staff Nancy Smith – former staff
Donor Breakfast 2014 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.
Jim and Stella Todd Endowed Memorial Scholarship Oak Hill Academy is pleased to announce the establishment of an endowed scholarship in memory of Jim and Stella Todd, natives of Grayson County. Jim and Stella Todd were born one week apart in 1926—Jim to Bays and Blanche Todd, and Stella to Fred and Viola Phipps.
Jim graduated from Independence High School and joined the US Navy in 1944. He served aboard the battleship USS Nevada and was at the invasions of Okinawa and Iwo Jima during World War II. Jim returned home following his military service and married Stella Kathryn Phipps on August 8, 1946. He attended National Business College in Salem and returned to Independence where he was the office manager at Klear-Knit textile factory. He joined Grayson National Bank in 1965 and came up through the ranks becoming President and CEO. He retired from GNB in 1991 and served on the Board of Directors until 2000. Jim was a Master Mason, member of the VFW Post 7726, member of the Lt. David Cox Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and member of the Board of Directors of Alleghany Memorial Hospital. He passed away in September 2005. Stella graduated from Independence High School also and received her BA degree in English from Mary Washington College. Stella became a teacher and was later an administrator for the school board, a position she held until her retirement. She was a member and later Regent of the New River Pioneer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Stella passed away in June 2013. Jim and Stella had three sons – Jimmy, Alan (who worked at OHA for a time), and Mark. They were also blessed with five grandchildren – Jason, Jonathan, Hannah, MaryKathryn, and Jackson. When Jim returned from World War II he said he never wanted to leave Grayson County again. Throughout their lives the Todd’s helped many Grayson Countians. The family believes that to help others experience the beautiful land and people of the place so special to them while receiving a quality Christian education is an especially appropriate tribute to their parents.
Hal and Marjorie Eaton Endowed Scholarship Hal and Marjorie Eaton came to Oak Hill Academy in 1971. Both were educated at William Jewell College in Missouri; Hal continued his education at Central Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1971 with two years enlisted time, four years in the Naval Reserve, and 20 years as a chaplain. He came to Oak Hill as the Religion teacher, school chaplain, and as the pastor of Young’s Chapel Baptist Church. Hal retired (again) after 22 years at Oak Hill, and has used his free time to publish a book, “Moses, the Ten Commandments, and Me.” The Eatons had five children, thirteen grandchildren, and now have four great grandchildren. Their continued interest in Oak Hill Academy prompted Hal and Marge to establish a scholarship fund to provide financial assistance to students whose families might not be able to afford enrollment at Oak Hill Academy.
Season in Review The 2013-14 Warriors won 41 games and ended their season as the #3 ranked high school team in the nation. Season highlights included: winning the Chick-Fil-A Classic in Columbia, South Carolina, Coach Smith achieving his 900th career win (November, 2013), winning both games at the Hall of Fame West Classic in Phoenix, Arizona, and reaching the finals of the Dick’s National Sporting Goods Invitational in New York City. The Warriors lost in the finals 7162 to Montverde Academy from Florida, and the game was played in the legendary Madison Square Garden. It was an honor and thrill for our team as well as our coaching staff to play on ESPN and to take the court at this historic arena. Six Seniors signed Division 1 scholarships which includes the following universities: North Carolina State, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Hofstra University, and Wake Forest University. The high standard of excellence that has come to be expected each season at Oak Hill came to fruition once again with the 2014 Warriors.
Graduates Receive Scholarships and Honors The following members of the Class of 2014 were recognized during graduation weekend as receiving academic scholarships: Leah Baucom – Durham, North Carolina – Guilford College (Academic Scholarship) Alex Boshart – Raleigh, North Carolina – High Point University (Extracurricular Achievements); Jacksonville University (Academic Scholarship); Coastal Carolina University (Academic Scholarship); Lees McRae College (Academic Merit Scholarship) Mamoon Bukhari – Amman, Jordan – Stetson University (Dean’s Scholarship); Arizona State University (Dean’s Scholarship); University of Hartford (Merit Scholarship); University of Tampa (Minaret Scholarship); Arcadia University (Achievement Award and Arcadia University Grant); University of New England (Dean’s Scholarship and UNE Nor’Easter Scholarship) Cade Groesbeck – Tiburon, California – Rider University (Dean’s Scholarship); University of Vermont (Academic Scholarship) Xinran Huang – Beijing, China – University of Kentucky (Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship) WonJun Jung – Busan, South Korea – St. John’s University (Academic Achievement Award) Maddy Leech – Westlake, Ohio – Johnson and Wales University (Academic Scholarship); John Carroll University (Academic Scholarship); Seton Hill University (Leadership Scholarship)
Yuyi Mai – Shenzhen, China – Loyola University (Dean’s Scholarship); Suffolk University (Dean’s Scholarship)
University (Academic Scholarship); St. Mary’s University (Presidential Scholarship); College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University (President’s Scholarship & Saints Scholarship); Marquette University (Ignatius/Magis Award for Academic and Extracurricular Achievements)
Chase Marcoux – Bennington, Vermont – Niagara University (Academic Scholarship)
The following student-athletes were recognized for receiving scholarships:
Elisha Marrs – Los Angeles, California – Mary Baldwin College (Founder’s Scholarship); Lynchburg College (Alumni Award); Wagner College (Alumni Award)
Rokas Gustys – Kaunas, Lithuania – Hofstra University
Kelsi Liddle – Honolulu, Hawaii – Guilford College (Achievement Award)
Baaba Otabil – Accra, Ghana – Liberty University (Academic Scholarship) Christian Schmidt – Tewksbury, Massachusetts – Xavier University (Academic Scholarship) Spencer Titzmann – Roanoke, Virginia – Old Dominion University (Academic Scholarship); Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Presidential Scholarship); University of Kentucky (See Blue Scholarship); Rochester Institute of Technology (Achievement Scholarship) Jeffrey Uju – Bolingbrook, Illinois – Eastern Michigan University (Academic Scholarship); Michigan State University (Academic Scholarship) Alex Van Stippen – Appleton, Wisconsin – St. Edward’s University (Dean’s Achievement Scholarship); Southwestern
Ray Lock – Aiken, South Carolina – Erskine College Caleb Martin – Mocksville, North Carolina – North Carolina State University Cody Martin – Mocksville, North Carolina – North Carolina State University Shelton Mitchell – Charlotte, North Carolina – Wake Forest University B. J. Stith – Lawrenceville, Virginia – University of Virginia Nkemdili Ubaru – Richmond, Texas – University of North Carolina at Asheville
College Acceptances 2014 Alderson Broaddus University American University Arcadia University Arizona State University Asbury University Auburn University Belmont University Blinn College Boston University Butler University Canisius College Chestnut Hill College Cheyney University City University of New York John Jay College City University of New York Queens College Clark Atlanta University College of St. Benedict/St. John University Coastal Carolina University Columbia College of Chicago Columbus State Darton College Dean College East Carolina University Eastern Michigan University Edison State College Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Erskine College Flagler University Florida Gulf Coast University George Mason University Georgia Regents University Gordon College Greensboro College Guilford College Guilford Tech Hampden-Sydney College Hampton University High Point University Hofstra University Iona College Iowa State University Indiana University Jacksonville University John Carroll University John Tyler Community College Johnson & Wales University La Salle University Lees McRae College
Liberty University Long Island University Loyola University - Chicago Lutheran University Lynchburg College Lynn University Marquette University Mary Baldwin College Michigan State University Montgomery College Newbury College Niagara University North Carolina State University Northampton College Ohio University Old Dominion University Pace University Pacific Lutheran University Radford University Randolph Macon College Rider University Rochester Institute of Technology Seton Hall University Seton Hill University Southern New Hampshire University Southwest Virginia Community College Southwestern College St. Bonaventure University St. Edward’s University St. John’s University St. Joseph University St. Leo University St. Mary’s College Stetson University Suffolk University Susquehanna University Temple University Thomas Nelson Community College University of Alabama University of Georgia University of Hartford University of Houston University of Illinois at Chicago University of Kentucky University of Mary Washington University of Maryland – Eastern Shore University of New England
University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of South Carolina at Aiken University of Tampa University of Virginia University of Wisconsin at EauClaire University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee Vermont Technical College Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech Virginia Western Community College Wagner College Wake Forest University Wake Tech Washington State University West Virginia University Wheaton College Xavier University
g n i r Sp
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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.
Collins Triplex New faculty housing is being constructed through an estate gift to Oak Hill Academy by former parent and trustee, Dr. Carl Collins. The Collins Triplex consists of two one-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom townhouse. This much-needed addition to campus is very impressive with its unique floor plan and beautiful views. The Collins Triplex will be dedicated during the fall Board of Trustees meeting October 31, 2014. Oak Hill Academy is very grateful for the foresight and generosity of Dr. Collins and his support of the Oak Hill Academy mission.
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 115 years of service to the Academy and her mission! Steve Bowen – Director of Technology – 35 years Lisa Finklea – Administrative Assistant to President, Admissions, and Development – 25 years Henry Crede – Director of Resident Life – 20 years Scott Jeffries – Food Service Director – 10 years Mike Rodgers – Director of Admission – 10 years Mike Weaver – Maintenance – 10 years Lorrie Andrews – Campus Store Assistant and Uniform Distributor – 5 years
Two New Boys Dormitories Planned Oak Hill Academy is pleased to announce plans for the construction of two new boys dormitories. The OHA Board of Trustees has formalized approval for the campaign to begin this Summer of 2014. Each new dorm will consist of six double rooms, two single rooms, a resident manager’s apartment, and recreation and study areas. Students will be able to reside in Fletcher Hall until the first new dormitory is complete. At that time Fletcher will be razed and the second building will be constructed at its current site. The total cost for both buildings is $1,100,000. Through a gift from the Edith Ingram estate and pledges from our Board of Trustees, more than half of the necessary funds has already been secured. Specific details about the campaign will be published and distributed in mid-June. Several naming opportunities are available at various levels of giving. What an exciting time for Oak Hill Academy!
$1 Per Year Campaign 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 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.
Wish List Are You Interested in Filling a Specific Need at Oak Hill Academy?
Laptops for teachers Rosetta Stone Sponsorship for ESL Class 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 $2,800
$5,000
Named Scholarship Fund
$10,000
Technology Upgrade for Library
$15,000
Faculty Professional Development Fund
$50,000
$3,000 - $5,000 each
Minivan for Student Activities
$20,000
Gifts in Kind*
6 Horse Trailer
$22,000
Backhoe or backhoe attachment for tractor
12-Passenger Van for Student Activities
$25,000
Used vehicles, vans, or minivans
Halsey House Remodel and Upgrade
$50,000
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.
Oak Hill Academy 2635 Oak Hill Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 Address Service Requested
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