For many students, summer means a break from routine. But at Randolph-Macon Academy, cadets see these months as an extension of their leadership journey. As a military school in Virginia, R-MA places character and growth at the center of its mission, and that spirit endures even after the academic year concludes.
This past summer, four cadets, Jesse, Codie, Dleanna, and Izabel, took on challenges that tested their resilience, teamwork, and leadership. From Boys State to Sea Trials to solo flight, each experience reflected the values of our character and leadership program, as well as the strength of our community at this private boarding school in Virginia.
Jesse: Resilience and Initiative
Representing R-MA at Boys State, Jesse Summers admits he didn’t expect much at first. Yet by the end of the week, he had campaigned his way to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth.
That success didn’t happen by chance. It came from his decision to put in the effort. Between engaging with peers at mealtimes and listening to military leaders and guest speakers, Jesse discovered that building relationships and stepping up with initiative can turn uncertainty into opportunity. His summer showed him that leadership often begins with effort, and resilience is built by embracing challenges with an open mind.
Codie: Teamwork and Communication
For Codie Stella, the highlight of the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar was Sea Trials, a grueling eight-hour event designed to test endurance and teamwork. He quickly realized that strength alone wasn’t enough to succeed.
In one relay, the squad with the strongest athletes lost to the group that communicated best. It was a lesson Codie won’t forget: effective leadership is about bringing people together, not standing out alone. From squad leader roles to collaboration under pressure, Codie came home with a deeper understanding of how teamwork and communication fuel success.
Dleanna: Breaking Barriers in Aviation
Through the Luke Weathers Solo Flight Academy, a program run by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Dleanna Hoosain took to the skies and achieved her first solo flight. Among a diverse group of students, she was the only girl to solo, and she did so with skill and confidence.
Her achievement wasn’t just personal; it was symbolic. By pushing through nerves and mastering her check ride, Dleanna showed what it means to break barriers and inspire others. She proved that leadership in aviation isn’t defined by gender but by determination, preparation, and courage.
Izabel: Service-Driven Leadership
While attending the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar, Izabel Rimbach ’26 discovered that leadership is less about personal recognition and more about helping others succeed.
During a demanding obstacle course, she encouraged a struggling teammate to finish strong. Later, while leading her squad in a rafting race, she learned how clear instructions and shared focus drive results. For Izabel, leadership became about service, about lifting others while steering the team toward a common goal.
Beyond the Classroom, Into the Future
These summer experiences, where R-MA cadets represented the Academy in prestigious external programs, highlight what makes R-MA unique.. At our private boarding school in Virginia, we encourage cadets to grow not just academically but also personally, socially, and spiritually. Our Summer programs give our students the chance to apply lessons from the classroom in real-world settings.
From resilience to teamwork, from breaking barriers to serving others, Jesse, Codie, Dleanna, and Izabel demonstrated that the values taught through our character and leadership program extend far beyond campus.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders at Our Military School in Virginia
At Randolph-Macon Academy, summers are another chapter in the leadership story. Our cadets return with new skills, broader perspectives, and experiences that prepare them for success in college, career, and life.
If you’re seeking a military school in Virginia where education is more than academics, where summers become leadership training grounds, and where every student is challenged to grow, R-MA is the place. Explore our character and leadership program and see how your child can thrive in an environment that builds confidence, service, and purpose.
Would you like to discover more about our character and leadership program?
Contact R-MA for more information.