Apply & Meet Our Students

Favorite Part of R-MA:
“My favorite parts of R-MA are the close-knit dorm community and experiencing moments like ‘Beef and Bullets.‘ I came to R-MA to pursue my goal of attending the United States Coast Guard Academy or serving as a Naval officer. One quote I live by is from Erin Vandale [R-MA Class of 2022 now attending the US Naval Academy]: ‘Your experience is what you choose to make it,’ which has stayed with me since my first tour as a freshman.”

Involvement:

• Girls Basketball (Captain, First Team All-Conference, Most Valued Teammate, Female Breakthrough Award)
• Varsity Soccer
• Cross Country
• Volleyball
• National Honor Society (Tutor)
• Connect Club Member
• 2023-2024 Battalion Sergeant Major
• 2024-2025 Battalion Commander
• Flight Lessons
• Izaak Walton League Volunteer

Accomplishments:

• Varsity Basketball Captain (2023-2025)
• First Team All-Conference (Twice)
• Most Valued Teammate (Twice)
• Female Breakthrough Award (2022-2023)
• Dean’s List (8 times)
• President’s List (Twice)
• Exploring Aviation Program (2023)
• Total Volunteer Service Hours: 13

Leadership:

• Freshman Year Girls Basketball Captain
• Junior Year Battalion Sergeant Major
• Senior Year Battalion Commander

Discussion: Blogpost with Camillo

Why I Chose R-MA:

“In 2019, we moved to Front Royal and often saw the gold dome of R-MA. Initially, we didn’t realize it was a school until a friend told us about it. When I visited the website, I saw a picture of Sonner-Payne Hall and realized this was Randolph-Macon Academy. Learning about the flight program, and how many R-MA graduates get accepted into top universities and military academies, I knew I wanted to attend. I enrolled in 2020 and have been growing in maturity, discipline, and leadership ever since.”

What I Enjoy Most About R-MA:

“My favorite part of R-MA is the focus on student leadership. My goal is to attend the Naval Academy and become a Marine Corps Officer, and I knew R-MA was the best opportunity to help me achieve that. Most schools don’t teach leadership, grit, or character, but R-MA does. Leadership is critical in any role in life, and seeing how R-MA develops leaders inspired me to learn these skills to achieve my goals.”

Achievements:

• President’s List: Every year since 6th grade, maintaining a 4.0 GPA or higher each quarter.
• Sportsmanship Award (8th Grade): Given at graduation for demonstrating sportsman-like behavior and a “love of the game.”
• Student Ambassador (8th Grade): Selected as a representative in the Ambassador Program, which led student leadership in Big Brother/Sister events and welcomed potential future students during shadow visits.
• Varsity Soccer: Played on the Varsity team in 9th grade.
• National Junior Honor Society (8th Grade): Inducted in 8th grade and working toward eligibility for the National Honor Society.
• 200+ Hours of Community Service: Earned through service with the Young Marines and school events such as roadside cleanups.
• Upper School Tennis: Played for the Upper School team as an 8th grader.

Extracurricular Activities:

• Entrepreneurship Club Member
• Interact Club Member

Young Marines Program: Similar to Civil Air Patrol or Scouts, with a focus on bearing, public speaking, and leadership academies.

Why I Chose R-MA:

“I chose Randolph-Macon Academy because it provided a supportive yet competitive environment where I could develop discipline, character, and leadership. I enjoy the daily challenges that push me to grow, whether it’s waking up early for High Flight workouts or improving my leadership as Company Commander. I’m inspired by the ambition of my peers and motivated to make meaningful contributions to my community.”

Involvement:

• American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation: Appointed Supreme Court Justice, elected Assistant Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, co-author of the Eviction Transparency Act.
• American Legion Auxiliary Connecticut Laurel Girls State: Selected Senator for Girls Nation, State Senator, City Treasurer, recipient of the Rita M. Barylski Award.
• Girl Scouts of the USA: National Delegate, Gold Award (in progress), Silver Award, Bronze Award, Camp Counselor.
• AFJROTC: Delta Flight Commander, TREA Award of Merit, 355 Community Service Hours, Color Guard Team.
• Randolph-Macon Academy Leadership Program: Company Commander, Cadet of the Year Award, Cadre Leadership Camp.
• Randolph-Macon Academy Flight Program: Exploring Aviation Student of the Year, 7.6 In-Flight Hours, William H. Garber Flight Scholarship.
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Young Women in Excellence Award, Class President.
• Parade Flag Corps: Participated in NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade, Anthem Veterans Day Parade.

Accomplishments:

• Varsity Cross Country: Coach’s Choice Award, State Qualifier.
• Varsity Cheerleading: Founding Member, Third Varsity Captain, Most Valuable Team Award.
• Varsity Women’s Soccer: Forward and Left Wing.
• High Flight Program: Completion of Military Operations Course, 5:00 AM Workouts.
• 21 Gun Salute Team: Lead Rifleman.
• Junior Varsity Marksmanship: Team Manager.
• Summer Weight Lifting Program: Anthem Preparatory Academy.

Honor Societies:

• Randolph-Macon Academy Honor Council: Assistant Sergeant at Arms.
• Computer Science Honor Society: Treasurer.
• Société Honoraire de Français: Silver Medal in National French Exam.
• National Honor Society: Volunteer Math and Science Tutor.
• National English Honor Society.

Clubs & Committees:

• Entrepreneurship Club: Vice President.
• Brain Bee Club: Treasurer, participant in State Brain Bee competitions.
• The Little Theater: Stage Manager for The Death of a Salesman.
• Spiritual Life Committee: Assistant Sound Technician for Chapel Services.
• Model United Nations.

Volunteer, Paid, and Summer Experiences:

• Naval Academy Summer Seminar: Workshops on Academy academics, athletics, and military team challenges.
• Aspire Fire and Police Academy: Distinguished Cadet Award, education in firefighting and law enforcement.
• Warbirds Cadet Leadership Camp: Leadership camp focusing on teamwork, loyalty, and integrity.
• Church Sponsored Summer Programs: Participation in For the Strength of Youth and Hope of Israel.
• Youth for Troops: 80 hours of volunteer work for care packages and homeless veterans.
• Deseret Book Company: Sales and Shipment Associate.
• Lagoon Amusement Park: Summer job as Rides Operator.

Additional Awards and Honors:

• National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program by College Board.
• AP Scholar Award by College Board.
• National Bebras Computing Challenge Honor Roll.
• Advanced Cybersecurity Student of the Year Award.
• STEM Student of the Month.
• President’s Honor Roll (four years).

Personal Interests & Hobbies:

Fitness, Dance, Foreign Languages, Trombone, Clothing Reconstruction, Event Planning.

What I Enjoy Most About R-MA:

“Everyone here is so close—you live, eat, and work together. The same people you march around the field with are right next to you on the basketball court, and they’re also the ones helping you with late night study sessions for your math test.”

Involvement:

• Varsity Volleyball, Basketball, Track: Competed in all three sports, winning the Coach’s Award for basketball and Most Improved for track.
• VISAA State Championship Qualifier: Qualified for the Virginia state championships in discus and shot put.
• Virginia Independent Military Schools Drill Competition: Competed in both armed and unarmed drill.
• Spiritual Leadership Team: Help with chapel services, lead Bible study, and women’s devotional.
• Freshman Class President
• Treasurer of the French Honor Society

“I have been at R-MA since 6th grade and I have many favorite experiences. The school has a variety of different sports, clubs, and electives to choose from. In the fall, I always play volleyball because of the awesome coach and players. I am currently the captain of the team and I love helping other players learn about the sport. For the winter, I choose basketball and in the Spring, I play travel lacrosse outside the school, which the school supports. I love hanging out with my friends at school and I am so glad I came to R-MA!”

“While at R-MA, I had the opportunity to grow academically and athletically. I loved being a part of the JV women’s volleyball team, and my journey with the sport was especially rewarding. Starting out benched in 7th grade, I worked hard to improve my skills, and by 8th grade, I was proud to become the team captain. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also led to me making the U14 Nationals team at my volleyball club. Throughout middle school, I saw significant improvements in my academic performance as well, with my grades steadily getting better each year. One of my R-MA experiences highlights was the flex-time study system, which allowed me to manage my time more effectively and excel in my coursework. I also made some of my closest friends here, and I’ll always cherish the memories of returning from volleyball games with them and enjoying our time on the bus together. It was a great balance of having fun but also putting the work in, both in the classroom and on the court, and that made all the difference in my growth throughout these years.”

AJ’s older sister graduated R-MA in 2022 and his younger brother attends our Middle School. He and his family are very involved in the R-MA community through sports and other activities. AJ has been a member of several sports teams, honor societies, and the High Flight program while at R-MA. 

Accomplishments

• National Honor Society
• Cadre First Squadron First Sergeant

Extracurricular

• Football
• Basketball

When you don’t see him doing push ups in our “But It’s a Military School” video Alex can be found anywhere from the sea to the sky.  At R-MA he is one of our flight students and has earned both his Private Pilot and Commercial UAS/Drone Pilot certification.  He is also a certified PADI Rescue Diver and is fluent in Russian. 

Accomplishments

• Cadre: Delta Flight Commander
• Honor Council: President
• National Honor Society: Community Service Officer
• Has earned his Private Pilot and Commercial UAS/Drone Pilot Certificate
• Cameo: But That’s a Military School

Sports/Extracurricular

• Varsity Basketball
• Varsity Soccer
• Varsity Track

Caleb has attended R-MA since the 9th grade and is a highly accomplished student; especially within our STEM programs. At the age of 13, Caleb earned the rank of an Eagle scout and has been involved in fencing and playing piano. He is a member of various honors societies at R-MA and has been recognized for the student of the year achievements in many of his academic classes. 

Accomplishments

• National Honor Society
• The Congressional Award
  3M Young Scientist Challenge

Extracurricular

• Chapel Media Team
• Track
• Hydroponics
• Mock Trial
• Sabre Team
• Cadre

Cecilia is hoping to become an astronaut through the United States Air Force Academy. “I’m working to strive for greatness to show my single young mom that she didn’t struggle mentally, financially, and physically, for nothing, but to see me accomplish big things. Also, I hope to be an inspiring role model for my 5 younger Hispanic sisters to show them that they can achieve big things like their big sister.”

Accomplishments

• Cadre: Support Group NCOIC
• National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society
• Flight Program
• High Flight
• Cameo: But That’s a Military School

Sports/Extracurricular

• Varsity Soccer Team
• Varsity Swimming Team
• Varsity Cross Country Team

Erin started at R-MA in the fall of 2020. Coming from Massachusetts she has dreams of attending the United States Naval Academy which were not going to be met by her current school moving to virtual learning. Her family found R-MA and R-MA found a determined student ready to take on any opportunity that she has been presented with. 

Accomplishments

• National Honor Society
• High Flight
• Flight Program
• Cameo: But That’s a Military School

Sports/Extra

• Cross Country 
• Basketball

Ethan arrived at R-MA as a freshman and quickly involved himself in all that R-MA has to offer. Now in his senior year, Ethan has maintained a 4.14 GPA and is a leader within the Cadet Corps. Outside of R-MA, Ethan was chosen as a recipient of the 2019 National Security Language Intiative-Youth Scholarship from the US State Department and spent a summer studying Arabic in Amman, Jordan. He is also a certified PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver.

Accomplishments

• Cadre: Deputy Support Officer
• Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society President
• Marching/Concert Band Percussion Leader
  
• Cameo: But That’s a Military School

Sports/Extracurriculars

• Varsity Golf
• Amateur Radio General Class Operator
• CyberPatriot Team Leader

Bee joined R-MA in the fall of 2021 and has a tremendous part of the community ever since. She has involved herself in a variety of activities that focus on celebrating our school’s diversity and ways of giving back to others. 

Accomplishments

• President of Interact Club
• President of Connect Club
• Vice President of International Cluv
• National Honor Society
• Cadre Community Service Leader
• President’s List

Extracurricular

• Varsity Soccer

Harper is a member of our Cadre Leadership and has a variety of interests that make her a stellar addition to the R-MA community. She has a black belt in karate and loves to play piano. She spends here summers volunteering at Summer camps also. 

Accomplishments

• Cadre NCO
• Dean’s List

Extracurricular

• Varsity Tennis Team

Sunny joined R-MA in the fall of 2020. Originally from California, she is getting used to the Virginia temperatures but is excited about being a part of the R-MA family. In addition to what she is involved with at R-MA she volunteers at local hospitals, schools, shelters, and senior homes. She is also working to start up her own non-profit organization. 

Accomplishments

• Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society
• Cameo: But That’s a Military School

Sports/Extracurriculars

• Drill Team
• Swim Team

Madagan has been a part of the R-MA family since middle school, along with her twin brother, Clay. She is a member of the school’s Cadre leadership team as well as the Junior Class President; among many other accomplishments. “I have attended R-MA since I was in the sixth grade and am truly grateful for the experiences I’ve had here!”

Accomplishments

• Junior Class President
• Cadre
• Junior Prosecutor of the Honor Council
• Spiritual Life Leadership Team
• National Honor Societies Member

Sports/Extracurricular

• Girls’ Basketball
• Girls’ Soccer

Ramya is an active member of the R-MA community. She has taken on several leadership roles during her time and has a remarkable work ethic in all that she does. She is involved in several sports, the flight program and CyberPatriots just to name a few.

Accomplishments

• Cadre Public Affairs Officer
• Model United Nations President
• Mu Alpha Theta President
• Senior Class Treasurer
• Vice President of International Club

Extracurricular

• Cyberpatriots
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Flight Program

Sardor is part of a family rich in R-MA history. His mother as well as two uncles both attended R-MA and he has made his family proud ever since  his arrival. In addition to being our Corps Commander, Sardor has commanded the R-MA stage and screen by being the star in numerous drama performances and a winner in our R-MA Academy Awards (student video competition). He has even participated in the ARTS Talent Showcase in Hollywood, California and in Orlando, Florida. 

Accomplishments

• Cadre: Group Commander of the Cadet Corps
• National Honor Society
• National English, Science and Spanish Honor Societies
• Cameo: But It’s a Military School
• Director: Hostiles Detected!
• Director and winner of “Best Picture” R-MA Academy Awards: The Roommate, Part 2

Sports

• Swim Team Captain

Will has attended R-MA since his freshman year and has been involved in a number of activities in his time at R-MA. His main loves are flying with our aviation program and also being on the R-MA football team. 

Accomplishments

• Cadre Security NCOIC
• Dean’s List

Extracurricular

• Flight Program
• Varsity Football Junior Team Captain

Andy excels in our Academic program with his excellent writing skills. He loves to read and is talented in soccer.

Accomplishments:

• Principal’s List
• Flight Club
• AMCUS Fitness

Sports/Extracurricular:

• Soccer

Jake is an active member of the R-MA Middle School community. He is the mentoring representative and helps build relevant mentoring sessions. He is a kind person who listens to his peers and always has a pleasant disposition. He has taken a very big interest in disc golf after R-MA installed their own course. Very thoughtful and great sense of humor. His work ethic is super.

Accomplishments:

• Principal’s list
• Flight Club
• Student Council Association

Sports/Extracurricular:

• Soccer
• Golf

KeYana has a great sense of humor, she is athletic and is task oriented and applies herself to her studies.

Accomplishments:

• Principal’s List
• Interact Club
• Cameo: But That’s a Military School

Sports/Extracurricular:

• Swimming
• Dance/Fitness

Wyeth is a well disciplined young man who is task oriented. He is engaged in cross country, he is kind and caring.

Accomplishments:

• President’s List
• Flight Club
• AMSCUS Fitness
• Cameo: But That’s a Military School

Sports/Extracurricular:

• Golf
• Cross Country

Yiannah is a super star in the classroom. Her work ethic is top notch. She is helpful, caring, and great at playing the violin.

Accomplishments:

• President’s List
• Student Council Association

Athletics/Extracurricular:

• Cross Country
• Violin