The eighth grade promotion ceremony is meant to celebrate all that these young people have accomplished throughout their middle school careers. It is also serves the purpose of energizing them for their next step in life, high school.
The principal of Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School, Derrick Leasure, opened the ceremony and addressed the eighth grade class, their friends, and their families regarding what their purpose as a faculty and staff is. “We are preparing our students for their next step in life… high school.” If one takes a look at the R-MA Middle School class of 2016’s resume it would appear that the faculty’s purpose has been thoroughly executed.
This group of eighth graders had an average grade point average of 3.4, 50% made the Principal’s List or the President’s List every academic quarter, one-third were members of the National Junior Honor Society, 95% participated in sports, 90% took on high school courses, and as a whole they logged over 1,000 hours of community service. The numbers speak for themselves and it is clear that this is a dedicated group of kids.
The guest speaker for this group of rising freshmen was a man who is well known for his dedication to and love of Randolph-Macon Academy, Major General Henry M. Hobgood, USAF, Retired. The former Randolph-Macon Academy president (1997-2013) shared with the graduating class a simple message of taking advantage of everything Randolph-Macon Academy has to offer. “Randolph-Macon Academy has many opportunities,” said General Hobgood. “Get outside of your comfort zone and learn something about your surroundings and, more importantly, yourself.”
He encouraged the kids to take time in the next four years to become independent young adults. “Work on your weaknesses,” he said. It was something the General said he wished he had focused on more. “You may not be the best in the world at what you do, but you can always be better than you were before.” That is the ultimate goal the faculty sets for its students, for them to strive with great effort and enthusiasm in order to grow into the best version of themselves.
Randolph-Macon Academy president, Brigadier General David Wesley, gave the closing remarks for the ceremony. He told those in attendance how days like the Eighth Grade Promotion ceremony are better than any pay day. The kids are able to celebrate their accomplishments with their friends and family, look at their loved ones in the eyes with pride and know what they did was not easy, but it was well earned. “I ask you not to forget that, said General Wesley. “God bless you all, have a great summer, and come back ready to work.”