At Randolph-Macon Academy, learning doesn’t stop when students leave the classroom or when the school year ends.
This summer, R-MA students took what they are learning as leaders, scholars, and members of the Corps of Cadets into experiences across Virginia and beyond. They explored possible careers, participated in nationally recognized leadership programs, stepped into summer jobs, served others, headed outdoors, and found new ways to pursue interests they already loved.
For students at R-MA, a college-preparatory boarding and day school in Front Royal, Virginia, those experiences are another part of discovering their interests, building confidence, developing leadership skills, and preparing for what comes next.
Here are just a few of the ways R-MA students made the most of their summer.
Olivia Medina ‘30: Leading and Giving Back
R-MA student Olivia Medina ‘30 spent part of her summer at National Senior Leadership School, an experience she chose because she wanted to challenge herself, grow as a leader, and become a stronger role model within the Young Marines.
She did just that. Olivia earned the Molly Marine Award and was selected as the runner-up Honor Graduate, but some of what stayed with her most had nothing to do with awards. She especially valued the friendships she built with Young Marines from other units and the way they pushed and supported one another throughout the week.
Once the program ended, Olivia wasn’t quite finished. She returned as cadre at Junior Leadership School, this time helping younger participants build the same confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills she had strengthened through her own experience.
Next summer, she hopes to continue that journey at the National Advanced Leadership Academy.
Gavin Grove ‘27: A Week at Virginia Boys State
Leadership development is an important part of the R-MA experience, and Gavin Grove ‘27 had the opportunity to put those skills into practice this summer at Virginia Boys State.
The week-long leadership and civics program brings together students from across the Commonwealth for a firsthand look at government and public service. Rather than simply learning about government, participants build and run one of their own.
Gavin spent the week taking part in elections, debating legislation, and working alongside other students as they navigated the process together. He also took on one of the week’s biggest challenges when he was selected as the Federalist Party nominee for Governor, giving him the opportunity to campaign and represent his party during the election.
“Boys State was an incredible experience that strengthened our leadership skills, taught us the importance of civic engagement, and gave us a greater appreciation for public service,” Gavin said.
Keilly Alfaro Quijiano ‘27: Finding Her Voice at Virginia Girls State
Fellow R-MA student Keilly Alfaro Quijiano ‘27 had her own opportunity to experience leadership in action through Virginia Girls State.
Throughout the program, Keilly stepped into an environment that encouraged students to speak up, campaign for positions, advocate for issues they cared about, and learn what it takes to lead others.
For Keilly, that meant plenty of opportunities to strengthen her public speaking and communication skills, but it also meant meeting new people and building relationships along the way.
“Virginia Girls State was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to build meaningful relationships and develop many new leadership skills,” Keilly said.
The experience gave Keilly another opportunity to practice the confidence, communication, and leadership skills that are an important part of student life at Randolph-Macon Academy.
Edebo Inaju ’27: Exploring a Future in Law
Preparing students for college also means giving them opportunities to begin discovering where their interests might take them beyond high school.
For Edebo Inaju ’27, that meant exploring a growing interest in law through the Intensive Law and Trial program at Stanford Law School.
Edebo learned from Stanford Law professors, criminal prosecutors and defenders, and high-profile attorneys while getting a closer look at the legal profession. He also joined a 10-person team working on a case and took on the role of criminal prosecutor. After preparing and presenting their case, his team came away with a win.
“I have a growing interest in law, and I am in the process of figuring out what sector of law I would like to study, so this was a good way to get exposure to criminal law,” Edebo said.
Experiences like this allow R-MA students to explore possible college majors and career paths while they are still in high school.
Carlin Greenhouse ’27: Turning an Interest in Cars Into Experience
For Carlin Greenhouse ’27, a summer opportunity brought him right into the middle of something he already loves: cars.
Carlin spent Saturdays at Shenandoah Speedway during drift events, where he served as an on-track coordinator for the cars and as a safety supervisor. It was an opportunity to see motorsports from a different perspective while taking on real responsibility in an environment he genuinely enjoys.
While being at the track was an obvious perk, Carlin said the people he met made the experience even better.
“The thing I enjoyed the most was meeting and networking with like-minded people who dedicate their lives to motorsports,” he said.
Carlin’s experience is another example of R-MA students finding ways to turn personal interests into opportunities to learn, make connections, and develop real-world skills.
Liam Koch ‘28: Leadership at Scout Camp
R-MA student Liam Koch ‘28 spent a week of his summer at Camp T. Brady Saunders with his Scout troop, where his days included everything from camping and working toward merit badges to trying his hand at animation and sculpting.
As his troop’s Senior Patrol Leader, Liam wasn’t only there as a camper. He was responsible for helping lead the troop throughout the week, keeping everyone organized and helping things run smoothly.
It was a good mix of responsibility and fun, while giving Liam another setting outside of R-MA to continue developing as a leader.
“The best part was spending the week with my troop, trying new activities, and making memories that I’ll never forget,” Liam said.
Bijou Kebbay ’27: Stepping Outside Her Comfort Zone
Bijou Kebbay ’27 spent three days of her summer doing something that can be surprisingly difficult: disconnecting.
At Rock and Water Christian Camp, there were no phones, no mirrors, and none of the constant entertainment that usually fills the day. Instead, Bijou spent her time outdoors, focused on her faith, the people around her, and challenges that pushed her outside her comfort zone.
Those challenges included a seven-hour canyon hike and a 30-foot cliff climb, but the quieter parts of the experience proved meaningful, too.
“At first it felt a little strange, but I learned how peaceful life can be when you’re not constantly distracted,” Bijou said.
She came away from the experience with a greater appreciation for slowing down, challenging herself, and discovering just how much she could accomplish outside of her usual environment.
Misgana Reynolds ’27: More Than a Summer Job
For Misgana Reynolds ’27, summer was an opportunity to gain the kind of experience that can only come from stepping into the workplace.
Working at an award-winning beachfront amusement park put Misgana in a fast-paced environment where she interacted with new people every day and learned firsthand about customer service, communication, and teamwork.
As the summer went on, her role grew. Misgana was promoted from an entry-level employee to a certified trainer, putting her in the position of welcoming new employees and helping them develop the skills and confidence they needed to succeed on the job.
“My favorite part of the experience was meeting new people every day and contributing to an environment where guests could make lasting memories while enjoying their visit,” Misgana said.
Her promotion gave her an opportunity to take on greater responsibility and practice the leadership and interpersonal skills that will serve her well at R-MA, in college, and beyond.
Bringing Summer Experiences Back to Randolph-Macon Academy
Each student found their own way to learn, grow, and make the most of their summer.
A courtroom at Stanford looked very different from a Saturday at Shenandoah Speedway. A week learning about state government was a very different experience from leading a Scout troop, working a summer job, or spending three days disconnected from a phone. Yet each experience gave these students the chance to try something new, take on responsibility, explore an interest, and learn more about themselves.
That same combination of academics, leadership, character development, and opportunities beyond the classroom is an important part of the student experience at Randolph-Macon Academy.
As students return to R-MA’s campus in Front Royal, Virginia, they bring those summer experiences with them. The confidence, independence, skills, friendships, and new perspectives they gained will become part of what they contribute to the R-MA community throughout the 2026-27 school year.