Cadet Major Ashley McManus, who already holds the position of Deputy Commander for Support, one of the highest positions in the Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) cadet corps, has recently been named the winner of the General Willard Scott Award. This competitive scholarship is awarded by the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS). All 41 military schools and colleges that are members of AMCSUS are eligible to nominate one cadet each year for this award. Due to her quality leadership skills, her exemplary attitude, and her prowess in her scholastic endeavors (involving the maintaining a 4.0+ throughout all her years at R-MA), she received R-MA’s nomination from General Hobgood for the 2012-2013 General Willard Scott Award. This is the second time an R-MA cadet has won the award since it was first presented in 2010; R-MA’s Kalie Plasier received the award in 2011. Highlighting the spirit of former AMCSUS Executive Director, General Willard Scott, the Scott Award of $2,500 and title goes to a cadet who best personifies love of God, country and service to others, and will be formally given at the AMCSUS annual conference in Washington, D.C. on February 26, 2013.
McManus has an unassuming persona and a kind regard for others, as demonstrated in her 116 hours of community service. Her qualities have extended through all of her endeavors. She earned the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, and is a member of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the National German Honor Society, and Honor Council. In addition, she is a talented athlete and has earned varsity letters in cross-country, girls’ basketball, and girls’ soccer. She is captain of the cross-country team and has been named first team all-conference in soccer for three years in a row. Hobgood stated it perfectly when he said, “Ashley epitomizes ‘involvement’ at R-MA.”
McManus has her priorities in order. While she is proud of her rank, she says she is more proud of her position in the cadet corps because she is able to exercise more responsibility carrying out her duties – duties she’s proud of. “I am proud to be a student at R-MA,” she said. “And I’m excited to graduate this year and be an alumna. I’d like to think I’ll be missed, and there’ll be someone who will follow in my example.
To follow McManus’s example would be to have high ambition. McManus’s stance for love of God, country, and service to others is unmatched, and continues to be celebrated and recognized; McManus received a four-year AFROTC scholarship that will cover four years of tuition and books at VMI.
Col. Sadler, the commandant of the cadets at R-MA, verified the qualities of McManus, saying,
“Ashley is a young woman of great character. Adults and her peers alike know they can rely on her integrity in everything she does. Her determination and commitment are hallmarks. She is never satisfied with ‘good enough.’ She will work, re-work, and work again until she knows that her effort is as close to perfect as she can make it. This applies to her efforts in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and as a cadet leader.”