The Arrow
OHA Students Receive Scholarships President’s Message Graduation 2010
Alumni Weekend Ussery Archives Room
Summer 2010
2010-2011 Student Leadership Appointments Lindsey Buchanan Patrick Calabrese Hee Yoon “Jenny” Chung Kyle Claud Caroline Curran David Grams Savannah Holzworth Keith Hornsby Jackie Horton Han Nah Jeong Mallory Jones David Laney Lucca Modelli Charlie Morgan Clevy Nelson-Royster Caleb Porter Lizz Spicknall Dante Taylor Andrew Thomas Peter Von Lunen Haley Weaver
2010-2011 Honor Court Appointments Patrick Calabrese Hee Yoon “Jenny” Chung Caroline Curran Keith Hornsby Jackie Horton Alex Johnson Mallory Jones Lucca Modelli Dante Taylor
About the Cover Mariam Abdourahman and Whitney Dorociak prepare for the graduation ceremony to begin. 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 Rd 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 Mrs. Bonnie Burke – P’07 Mr. Larry Conner Mrs. Lisa Dockery Mrs. Sidney Rose Fant
Mr. Marshall Frank – P’08 Mr. Dennis Gambill Mrs. Susie Garner Mr. Don Gibson Mr. Joseph Giles Mr. Rex Halsey – ‘55 Mr. Rodney Halsey Dr. Thomas Harvey Mr. Donald Hasler – ‘66
Mrs. Sally Kimble – P’00 Dr. Wayne Landsman – P’06 Mr. M. A. Lunsford -P’85 Mr. Marty Parks Mr. George Pelton – ‘67 Mr. William Plummer – ‘55 Mr. Carl Rosberg Mr. Paul Saunders Mr. Jim Tapp
Dr. Dennis Throckmorton Mr. Taylor Vaughan Mr. Harold Wingate P - Parent of OHA Alumnus
President’s Message
Another set of mortar boards have been cast in the air at Oak Hill Academy. Year 131 is officially now in the history books. How was our year? Well, let’s take a quiz, Jeopardy style (answers first, questions to follow). Answers: 152 and 42 inches; $4.1 million budget and 90% college acceptances; “busyness” and 82% returning; diversity and persistence. Questions: What was our (record) enrollment and (near record) snowfalls? How high were our expectations and our achievements? What characterized our growth in student activities and our increase in student retention? What lessons were taught and what life lessons were learned? In short, Oak Hill Academy continues on a very positive course—I have never been more proud to serve as its president. In my twelve years at OHA, I have been “accused” by several parents that we must sprinkle magic dust on their children, because our students return to their homes after a stay on “the hill” as more mature, responsible, and earning the best grades of their lives. Trust me there is no miracle potion here—students improve at OHA because we teach them the good old-fashioned values of hard work and discipline and because the wonderfully giving faculty and staff choose to live
here on campus among our students. Every day we build relationships and provide the requisite structure and nurture inherent to the Oak Hill Academy mission. Graduation day serves as the long-awaited culmination and celebration of a year working and living together on “the hill.” In my opening remarks at our Commencement Exercises I noted that it is indeed a mysterious God who could assemble such a gathering. In historic Turner Gymnasium, folks were represented from Sweden, South Korea, Senegal, and Spain; Alaska, California, Texas, and Missouri; North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Maryland. Yet, this incredibly diverse group was assembled May 22, 2010 on the campus of Oak Hill Academy, in (of all places) a town called Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. We are indeed blessed and thankful for another wonderful year for our school. As we lean into preparations for year 132, let’s conclude with another quiz. Answers: Invaluable, ongoing, and special. There will be extra credit to the one who can accurately provide to me the question: What is …? Michael D. Groves, President
Noonkester Social End of the Year Picnic
The annual “End of School Picnic” was held on Friday, May 14th at Noonkester Park. This fun, lighthearted event is celebrated every year to mark the end of the last week of classes before final exams begin. Our students thoroughly enjoyed swimming in the lake, guitar picking, socializing, the golf shot contest, an inflatable obstacle course, and a great cookout complete with hamburgers and hotdogs. This year the golf shot contest was won by Ryan Childs (student division) and Mr. Luke Johnson (faculty/staff division). In this highly contested “closest to the hole” competition, participants paid one dollar per shot, which was taken from a knoll on one side of Lake Samuella across to an orange cone on the other side of the lake. The ball closest to the cone won all of the money collected! As always this fun filled event, representing the last evening social of the school year, ended with everyone gathered around a huge bonfire enjoying the night air and reflecting on yet another great school year.
Mr. Ken Boettcher Retires Oak Hill Academy bids Mr. Ken Boettcher farewell after six years of service to the school. Mr. Boettcher joined the residential life staff at Oak Hill in the fall of 2004 where he served as resident manager to many of our younger male students. Working with young men can be a challenge, but Mr. Boettcher dealt with his students like a professional mentor, providing them with a great living environment that included a home cooked breakfast every Sunday morning before church! Mr. Boettcher has worn many hats in his lifetime, having served in the U.S. Navy, being a school teacher, and working as a youth pastor. Ken is moving to the Atlanta area to spend more time with his grandchildren and hopes to work with the elderly. Everyone at Oak Hill Academy thanks Mr. Boettcher for his service and dedication to the mission of our school and wishes him the best as he opens yet another new chapter in his life.
Rev. Manly E. Murphy Rev. Manly E. Murphy passed away on March 24, 2010, at the age of 85. Rev. Murphy was born in Marshallberg on December 24, 1924, the son of Will and Caroline Murphy. Rev. Murphy served as guidance counselor at Oak Hill Academy for 29 years. He also pastored several churches in North Carolina and Virginia and was a current member of First Baptist Church of Beaufort. A memorial service was held at First Baptist Church in Beaufort with the Rev. Michael Fields and the Rev. Doug Williams officiating. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Allen Murphy; a daughter, Veronica Murphy Heidy and husband, Sam of Morehead City; two sons, Nelson Murphy and wife, Nancy of Virginia Beach, and Charles Spivey and wife, Helen of Richmond.
Annual Donor Breakfast 2010 The rain stopped, the clouds parted, and the sun came through just as our guests began arriving for the annual Oak Hill Academy Donor Breakfast. The 9:00 breakfast was held at the picnic shelter at Hough Dormitory on Graduation Day. A picturesque morning greeted supporters of Oak Hill Academy and its mission as they gathered to socialize and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by Meriwether-Godsey. This event honors those who support the school as members of the “Red and Gold Club� (or higher) and members of the Oak Hill Academy Legacy Associates.
Parents’ Days 2010 Oak Hill Academy celebrated Parents’ Days on April 1st and 2nd. The annual celebration, which showcases our students, our school, and our mission was a great success and enjoyed by many of our student’s parents, grandparents, family and friends. A full array of events and activities began on Thursday with a riding demonstration at the Equestrian Center performed by the horsemanship class. Turner Gymnasium hosted a sports expo where the cheerleaders performed, the spring sports teams were recognized, and a basketball exhibition was held with parents joining in and participating in all the fun! Everyone gathered that evening for a Parent-Student Banquet in the Vaughan Dining Hall. This was followed by string band, pep band, and choral performances and the play “Romeo and Beatrice and Toto, Too” in Fletcher Chapel. Friday’s main activity was an abbreviated school day in which parents were able to attend fifteenminute classes with their child. Teachers had prepared special presentations and displays to showcase some of the work the students had completed throughout the year. Other highlights of Parents’ Days were the Student Art Show and the Parent’s Association Silent Auction. The auction raised approximately $7,000 that will be used to purchase new PowerPoint Projectors for classrooms. Thanks to everyone that participated in and made Parents’ Days such a great event. These two days are definitely a highlight of the school year at Oak Hill Academy!
Class of 2010 College Acceptances Appalachian State University Asbury College Auburn University Augusta State University Babson College Belmont Abbey College Biola University Bluefield College Boston University Bridgewater College California University of Pennsylvania Campbell University Chowan University Clarion University Clemson University College of Charleston College of Southern Idaho Colorado State University Corcoran College of Art & Design Duquesne University East Carolina University Eastern Washington University Emory & Henry College Fairleigh Dickinson University Ferrum College Five Towns College Florida Atlantic University Geneva College George Mason University Hawaii Pacific University High Point University Howard University Illinois Institute of Technology. Indiana University at Bloomington Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Iowa State University James Madison University Johnson & Wales University La Salle University Lenoir-Rhyne University Lewis University Liberty University Lindenwood University Long Island University Marquette University Mars Hill College Marshall University Maryland Institute College of Art Meredith College Michigan State University Montclair State University Montgomery College Moore College of Art & Design Newberry College Northwest Nazarene University Oklahoma State University Old Dominion University Oral Roberts University Oregon State University Penn State University Polytechnic Institute of New York University Pratt Institute Princeton University Purdue University Radford University Rensselaer Polytech Institute Richard Bland College Rider University Ringling College of Art & Design Roanoke College Robert Morris University
Saint Francis University Savannah College of Art & Design – Atlanta School of Visual Arts – NY Shenandoah University Sonoma State University Syracuse University Suffolk University Swiss Hotel Management School of Switzerland Transylvania University United States Air Force United States Army University of Alabama Birmingham University of Alaska –Anchorage University of Arizona University of Colorado – Colorado Springs University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Georgia University of Hawaii – Manoa University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Maryland University of Missouri – St. Louis University of Nevada – Las Vegas University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of South Carolina at Beaufort
University of Souther Maine University of Wisconsin - Madison Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech West Virginia Wesleyan Western Carolina University Wingate University
Graduates Receive Scholarships & Honors The following members of the Class of 2010 were recognized during graduation as receiving academic scholarships. These students were offered over $700,000 in assistance! Mariam Abdourahman – Highland Park, New Jersey – Meredith College (Meredith College Tuition Grant) James Allbee – Blacksburg, Virginia – Savannah College of Art and Design (Academic Honors Scholarship); Corcoran College of Art and Design (Corcoran President’s Award) Jessica Andrews – Sparta, North Carolina – Johnson and Wales University (Academic Award) Joe Burgarino – Milwaukee, Wisconsin – University of Arizona (Excellence Award); Marquette University (Ignatius Magis Award)
(Alumni Scholarship); Wingate University (Engagement Scholarship)
The following student-athletes were also recognized for receiving scholarships:
Charlie Lyon – Winston-Salem, North Carolina – Johnson and Wales University (Presidential Academic Scholarship); Bluefield College (Bluefield College Award); West Virginia Wesleyan College (Dean’s Scholarship)
Martins Abele – Saldus, Latvia – Radford University
Michael Mbesherubusa – Ontario, Canada – Belmont Abbey College (Belmont Abbey College Award); Lewis University (Academic Scholarship) Adriane Murillo – Leesburg, Virginia – Meredith College (Meredith College Tuition Grant) Gabby Namm - Morganville, New Jersey – Moore College of Art and Design (Merit Scholarship Award) Cyrus Stutts – Vallejo, California – Oral Roberts University (Whole Person Merit Scholarship)
Brittney Bowser – Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina – University of North Carolina at Asheville Hana Haden - Springfield, Missouri – University of Missouri at St. Louis Pe’Shon Howard – Los Angeles, California – University of Maryland Arieal Johnson – Havelock, North Carolina – University of Georgia Baye Moussa Keita – Saint Louis, Senegal – Syracuse University Doron Lamb – Queens, New York – University of Kentucky Alexandra Rodgers – Mouth of Wilson, Virginia – Princeton University Roscoe Smith – Baltimore, Maryland – University of Connecticut Juwan Staten – Dayton, Ohio – University of Dayton Orsi Szecsi – Budakalesz, Hungary – Duquesne University
Honor Grads
Se Hyun Chang – Bucheon, Korea – Babson College (Named a Presidential Scholar) Andrew Eby – Suffolk, Virginia – Hawaii Pacific University (Ka Makana Academic Scholarship) Hee Sung Kim – Seoul, Korea – University of Iowa (National Scholars Award and Accepted into the University Honors Program) Chris Kiros – Los Angeles, California – University of Arizona (Arizona Excellence Award) Alex Koella – Jefferson City, Tennessee – Lindenwood University (Academic Scholarship); Transylvania University (Academic Scholarship) Romain Krukowicz – Alexandria, Virginia – Ferrum College (Ferrum College Grant) Rebecca Ledbetter – Raleigh, North Carolina – Chowan University
The 2010 Honor Graduates - Front Row: Baye Moussa Keita, Se Hyun Chang. Back Row: Hana Haden, Alex Rodgers, Kayla Niederberger
Spring
SPORTS at OHA
Soccer
Tennis
Equestrian Baseball
Ussery Archives Room The Oak Hill Academy Development and Alumni Office is proud to announce that the Ussery Archives Room is nearing completion! In 2006 we planned to turn the conference room in the lower level of Fletcher Chapel into an archive library and formal meeting room. Our goal is to house all of the Oak Hill Academy memorabilia and artifacts collected throughout the 131-year history of the school and name it for Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Ussery who were both wonderful members of the Oak Hill Academy community for many years. Although the campaign continues, the majority of the money has been raised, allowing the school to begin the project in March. Along with the physical construction of the room comes many, many hours of grouping, organizing, placing and displaying the materials that will be housed in this space. We hope to dedicate the Ussery Archives Room during Alumni Weekend July 16-18, 2010. Many thanks to all the alumni who have helped to make this great addition to Oak Hill Academy a reality! If you would like to make a contribution or have any items you think would benefit the room, please contact Tim Henry in the Development Office at 276-579-2619. *We need two 1962 yearbooks!
Alumni Campus Store Expansion The Alumni Campus Store is expanding! The growing popularity of the Oak Hill clothing line has created a need for more space to house and display these many items. So … our store is expanding.
New Web Site Coming Soon!!! Oak Hill is currently developing a new web site that will be more functional and interactive for all constituents of the school. The site will have a completely new look and can be easily updated so that we can keep you informed of what is happening on “the hill.” Watch for the site to be up and running this fall!
The new addition will consist of an upper level clothing shop and a lower level storage area. This much needed extra space will enhance the feel of the “soda shop” atmosphere that our students enjoy as a daily part of campus life on “the hill.”
Alumni Weekend ALUMNI WEEKEND 2010 (Tentative Schedule) Friday, July 16th 1:00 p.m.
Golf outing Designated location in packet/pay as you go **Van and driver available for transportation
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Early registration for returning alums Alumni “Welcome Home” reception at Alumni Campus Store
Saturday, July 17th
Alumni News
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Reunion registration
10:00 – 10:45 a.m. photos to follow
Alumni meeting in Fletcher Chapel – class
11:00 a.m. – noon
Campus tours – led by current students and staff
12:00 noon
Lunch and social time in Vaughan Dining Hall
Edna has been married for 32 years to Steven Banton. She graduated from Longwood University in 1979 and is employed by the Girl Scout Commonwealth Council of Virginia. She has one daughter, Meghan.
2:00 p.m.
Gathering at Alumni Campus Store followed by ice cream social for alumni and families, current students, faculty and staff
Cindy Miles Kellar – ‘77 367 Kellars View Jamaica, VA 23079
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. trail rides, etc.
Noonkester Park open for swimming, hiking,
Theresa Jennings Gough – ‘78 Dillwyn, VA tgough@bchs.k12.va.us
6:00 p.m.
Reunion dinner, silent auction, and party at Mississippi Pavilion in Noonkester Park *President’s message, music, and dancing
Theresa is married and has five children and three grandchildren. She would love to hear from her classmates.
Sunday, July 18th 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.
Edna Marie Nees-Banton – ‘73 437 Falkland Road Meherrin, VA 23954
Lisa Klingler Goodman – ‘88 105 Cardinal Drive Rockwell, NC 28138 Lisa has been married for three years and is working for Stewart-Haas Racing. Michele Dowdy Bailey – ‘89 452 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Christy Womack McGinnity – ‘89 Norfolk, VA Christy is finishing her RN degree and has two children – Colton and Madalynn. Ricardo Crumble – ‘96 38594 Andrews Ridge Way Willoughby, OH 44094 Deaths Clara Reedy Richardson – ’29 Dean Cornette – ‘32 Darlous Jones – ’35 (non-graduate) Effie Bowman Richardson – ’45 (nongraduate) Logene Kilby Waddell – ‘49 Polly Halsey Hudson – ‘61 Bobby Glidewell – ‘67 Jane Walker – ’68 Amanda Villeneuve – ‘07
Life on “t
the Hill�
Wish List Are You Interested in Filling a Specific Need at Oak Hill Academy? Current Giving Opportunities
Musics Stands (7 needed – 3 have been purchased!) $40 each DVD Players - all have been purchased! $50 each Digital SLR Cameras for Yearbook Staff (5 needed) $200 each LCD Monitors (25 needed) $200 each 27� Television for Library - Purchased! $300 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo for Library $300 Photoshop $400 Televisions (5 needed) $400 each Anatomical Models (8 needed) $200 - $600 each Digital Camera for Publications Class $700 Digital Microscope $1,700 Rosetta Stone Sponsorship for ESL Class $2,800 New Roof for Turner Gymnasium $17,000 Equestrian Center Barn Remodel $40,000 Halsey House Remodel and Upgrades $50,000 AED (Automated External Defibrillator) $2,000
Oak Hill Academy 2635 Oak Hill Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 Address Service Requested
Other Giving Opportunities (partial list) Alumni Campus Store Tile Memorial Oak Tree Named Display Case for Ussery Archives Room Named Scholarship Fund Faculty Professional Development Fund Fund to Increase Faculty Salaries
$500 $1,000 $5,000 $10,000 $50,000 $100,000
Gifts in Kind*
Boat for Fishing Club Musical Instruments Backhoe or backhoe attachment for tractor *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
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