What A Weekend!
Additionally, the Academy’s fund raising team of Stan Stockdale, Jeanne Schmelzer and Heather Hyatt-Haynes partnered with Academy Board Chair Jack Wyatt '63 and President Steve Bliss to conduct the first meeting of the year for the parent volunteer helpers for the Academy’s Annual Fund. The meeting covered educating parents on the Annual Fund as well as planning of our first “phone-a-thon”. This meeting was very important in sharing with parents the necessity of the Annual Fund. Each year, the Academy relies on donations from alumni, parents and friends to support the 20% of our projected expenses not covered by tuition. Annual gifts “complete the pie” and enable the Administration to invest more in the Academy to benefit current Cadets. Projects supported by Annual Fund donations are typically executed in the same year, or following year so that the donors will have tangible evidence of the impact of their donations. Look for a letter that will be coming your way asking for your pledge to the Annual Fund; your participation, regardless of the amount of your donation, is critical for the continued success of the Academy’s mission.
On Saturday, the Senior Ring Ceremony was held in the Cadet Chapel. Parents of Seniors, their family and friends were in attendance to watch these boys “officially” receive their class rings. The Junior class also attended this event in order to support their schoolmates and also observe what is in store for their all important Senior year.
After the ceremony the entire school gathered in the Davis Hall gymnasium for the annual Autumn Ball. The Ball began with the Seniors and their dates processing through a receiving line including General Bliss and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Jack Wyatt ‘63, and his wife Irene. The receiving line was followed by the Seniors being presented to the Corps of Cadets as well as parents with their dates under an arch of swords before proceeding to the dance floor for the first dance of the evening. This kicked off a lively evening of dancing and provided the Cadets a chance to mingle with their girlfriends, sisters, cousins and other guests.
While the Cadets enjoyed the Autumn Ball, parents and guardians “cut loose” once again with upbeat songs from Baytown Band during the Fall Harvest Fest. The unique comedy and magic of Adam Christing showed our Chemistry teacher (Ms. Amy Coe) a thing or two about magic and entertained all. During this event, parents were treated to wine and beer tasting in addition to a fabulous assortment of cheese, crackers, fruit and veggies. A silent auction raised funds for the Cadet Classes and various ASB Clubs on campus with a variety of very unique packages for parents to bid on! Dinner with General Bliss was the hottest ticket item bringing in the highest of $675.00. There was quite a tussle for the parents bidding on this item. Thanks to the generosity of our parents, more than $5000 was raised!
On Sunday, ANAPA had their second meeting of the year with guest speaker Chris Simonds. Chris spoke about his time at the Academy and what helped him for his “after Academy” endeavors and offered some ideas of what he wasn't prepared for. Chris’ mom was in attendance to help answer questions that current parents may have. General Bliss spent some time also speaking about the upcoming Centennial and to encourage parents to volunteer for committees to plan the closed weekend events centered around the Centennial theme.
The Veterans Day parade began at 11am on Sunday and was (as always) a wonderful end to the weekend. Cadets showed off their drill skills on the field. We were all proud of the Corps as they performed with precision. Academic Awards for the 2007-2008 school year were presented in acknowledgement of outstanding performance for the previous semester. Congratulations are in order to all who received commendations. As always, the Col. W.C. Atkinson Warrior Band, under the command of Major Donovan, was certainly well received.
We appreciate all of those who could attend and look forward to seeing you again soon.
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