General Willard Warren Scott Award

By Jonathan Pederson ’15 

Cadet Vice Corps Commander Caroline Grace Alexander, a member of the Randolph-Macon Academy class of 2014, was awarded the General Willard Scott Award for excellence in her 2013-2014 school year.  Grace is the daughter of Lyle and Melinda Alexander of Front Royal, VA.

AMCSUS (Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the U.S.) created this award in memory of General Willard Scott, Jr., to recognize young men or women personifying the ideals of love of God, love of country, and service to others as Scott did.  In addition to receiving medals such as Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal, General Scott served in the Vietnam War as a deputy commander with the rank of Colonel.  Similarly, General Scott was dedicated to God, regularly attending Mass at his Catholic Church.  With her devoted faith as a member of the United Methodist Church, her dedication to JROTC, and her active volunteer life, Grace also exemplifies these ideals.

Upon her arrival at R-MA as a freshman, Grace entered Honor Guard, and actively participated on that team before shifting to Drill Team her sophomore year.  She continued with Drill Team through her junior year and at that time, she was selected for Cadre, the student leadership within AFJROTC.  She achieved the rank of Major as she became Randolph-Macon Academy’s Vice Corps Commander in her senior year.

R-MA Commandant Colonel Gary Sadler, USAF Retired, remarked, “Grace is probably the most driven and highly motivated young woman I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.  Her positive and inspirational leadership style makes her a natural role model for 260 fellow cadets.  You will simply not find a better cadet or person than Grace Alexander.  Her love of God, her fellow man, her country, and her family are demonstrated every day and in everything she does.  She is an inspiration to anyone, peer or adult, who gets around her.”

Grace pursues academics with the same vigor.  R-MA Chemistry teacher Betty Rogers confirmed, “Grace exhibits a determination and dedication that enhances the quality of her performance on any task, no matter how small; a signature that distinguishes her in any crowd.”  As a member of three National Honor Societies, Grace is instilled with moral integrity to be emulated by her peers.  Grace challenges herself with four AP courses, while still maintaining a 4.4 GPA.  Throughout her years in R-MA, Grace has earned 15 awards: 12 in academics and 3 in athletics.  Her natural competitive nature propels her in sports, where she combines both leadership and teamwork to excel in soccer, cross-country, track, and wrestling.  Grace also enjoys R-MA’s flight program, soloing on January 24, 2013.  She is currently working towards her private pilot certification and is hoping to achieve it this spring. 

Grace’s love of God, love of country, and love of service towards others combined with her well-rounded character distinguished her as the best candidate for the General Willard Warren Scott Award. However, in spite of her accomplishments, Grace displays true humility.  Upon receiving the award, she simply said, “It was a tremendous honor receiving this award.  I want to thank my school and everyone who has helped me.”

AMCSUS officials initially presented the award to Grace at their annual conference in February. During the Spring Family Parade on April 25, 2014, Grace was again recognized for receiving the award so that her R-MA peers could celebrate with her. The award has been given out for four years; an R-MA student has won it three of those four years.