THE SABRE
School
17 18 20 21
THE SABRE Magazine
Published by RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY
200 Academy Drive Front Royal, VA 22630 540-636-5200 www.RMA.edu
Editor: Jenny Walton
Special thanks to our cadet photography team for all of their work capturing this year’s events and activities!
BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
Chair: Ms. Lucy (Williams) Hooper
Vice Chair: Mr. John Simar ‘68
Secretary: Ms. Patty Keenan
Treasurer: Mr. Alonzo Neese, III ‘01
Mr. Harry Austin, III ‘75
Dr. Bill Bersing ‘85
Dr. Mark A. Brown
Mr. John Demers
Mr. Chris Gabelle P’21, ‘27
Dr. Tess Hegedus
Mr. Doug Huthwaite ‘69
Dr. Margaret Konkel
The Hon. W. Revell Lewis, III ‘69
Mr. David Link ‘85
Mr. Bryan Moore ‘84
Mr. Ed Morris ‘97
Ex-Officio Members
Rev. Kyungsuk Cho
Mr. Andrew Pfister ‘08
Ms. Erin Sauvager P’25, ‘28
PRESIDENT
Brig Gen David C. Wesley, USAF, Retired
The Sabre Magazine is published for R-MA alumni, parents, and friends. To share any comments, or to unsubscribe, please contact: advancement@RMA.edu.
Randolph-Macon Academy admits persons of any race, gender, color, religion, nationality, and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
R-MA does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its administrative policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
GREETINGS
Welcome to this latest edition of The Sabre!
It comes to you during a period when we’ve been reminded several times of something I was told shortly after joining the Academy’s staff: R-MA always punches above her weight.
Chief Master Sergeant Gamache published the impressive list of college placement for the Class of 2026 shortly before Christmas and, for the first time in anyone’s memory, more than 70% of our seniors already have at least one college acceptance and many have several such achievements…before the New Year even began! I’m so proud of this class and the hard work they’ve done with their teachers and Chief Gamache. They will join a long line of R-MA graduates who bear out the promise of our founders, that the Academy is a true college preparatory program.
We lost one of those great teachers, Cindy Michael, just before Christmas and every Yellow Jacket would be proud to see the way our students, faculty, and staff have pulled together, both to grieve for the loss of a tireless and dedicated teacher, but also to remember the many ways she worked hard to make us a better school and community. Cindy gave 32 years of her life to R-MA and she helped thousands of young people find a way forward in life. In many ways, Cindy represented what’s best in our community and we will never forget the work she did for us.
The new student community center at the Center for Applied Leadership is now open and offers our students a terrific way to enjoy weekends and special events. Check out the photos of the new facility and the various high-tech toys our students can enjoy. The generosity of our donors is yet another reason R-MA continues to be able to deliver for our students and their families, so that we continue to punch above our weight!
I invite you to visit us soon, talk with our students and teachers about the exciting things they’ve just done in the 2026 J-Term, and let them tell you about their plans for the future… what promising prospects they have! We have been truly blessed by Almighty God, tested by adversity, strengthened by hard work, and we are so proud of our Academy – come see why soon!
David C. Wesley Brigadier General, USAF, Retired President
A SEASON OF GROWTH, GRATITUDE, AND COMMUNITY AT R-MA
As Trustees of Randolph-Macon Academy, we are continually inspired by the momentum and spirit that define our school community. This January Term (J-Term) is a wonderful example of R-MA’s commitment to experiential learning, with students engaging in meaningful, hands-on academic experiences. We are especially excited for those participating in the educational trip to Peru - an opportunity that embodies global citizenship, cultural immersion, and learning beyond the classroom walls. Even on our own campus, R-MA’s students are exposed to a rich array of cultural and faith traditions because of the international students we have on campus. As profiled in this issue, the Spiritual Life program continues to provide students with guidance, reflection, and support - helping them grow not only as scholars, but as thoughtful, grounded individuals.
We also celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students, particularly the many early college acceptances already secured. As of this writing, thirtytwo of our students have been accepted to an average of over four colleges or universities each. While the list is long, a few highlights include Stanford University (1), The Citadel (5), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2), Penn State (7), and 23 Virginia-based schools. Credit goes to our dedicated and hard-working students but also to Career and College Counselor, Chief Mary Gamache, for her tireless work supporting
our students and their future successes. These successes also reflect the dedication of our faculty and the strength of our academic programs.
Amidst all of this celebration of our students’ accomplishments, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Cynthia Michael, a long-term and deeply valued faculty member whose unexpected passing has been felt throughout our community. Her commitment to students, colleagues, and the mission of R-MA leaves a lasting impact that will not be forgotten. The R-MA campus community celebrated her life and contributions at a ceremony on January 16, 2026 in Boggs Chapel. She will be dearly missed by all.
Finally, we are pleased to welcome our newly inducted Trustees—Rev. Cho, Andrew Pfister, and Erin Sauvager. You can read about each of our new Trustees on the facing page. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and for the perspectives and leadership they bring as we continue moving Randolph-Macon Academy forward with purpose and care.
We begin 2026 with our deep appreciation of your support of R-MA. It is only through your support that these student programs are possible. Go Jackets!!
-The Randolph-Macon Academy Board of Trustees
NOW ON BOARD
REV. KYUNGSUK CHO
District Superintendent, Shenandoah River District of the United Methodist Church
Rev. Kyungsuk Cho currently serves as the District Superintendent of the Shenandoah River District of the United Methodist Church. Formerly, he served three different churches in diverse ministry contexts across Virginia. His education includes a B.A. from Yonsei University, an M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. A father of three, Kyungsuk sees himself as a missionary, a friend, and a partner in ministry with communities and their members.
ANDREW PFISTER ‘08
President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
Andrew is a 2008 R-MA graduate; during his time here, he was in the Chorus, Drill Team, and Deputy Commander for Logistics. Andrew currently works as a Routing Specialist for the Transportation Department of Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools in Williamsburg, Virginia. He is active in his church as an Elder, Board Member, and Financial Secretary, and has been a voting delegate to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) biannual General Assembly since 2013. He’s been a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors since 2015 and has previously served as Secretary/ Treasurer and as Vice President.
ERIN SAUVAGER P’25, ‘28
President, Parents Association
Erin Sauvager has been an active member of the R-MA community since her two children enrolled in 2021. Her son, a Class of 2025 graduate, now attends the United States Air Force Academy, and her daughter is a current Sophomore at R-MA. Erin and her husband have been residents to Warren County, VA, for nearly nineteen years. With a degree from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development: Early Education Option, Erin brings over fourteen years of teaching experience in public and private education, training as an Educational Therapist, and prior school leadership to her role, where she is dedicated to supporting students, faculty, and the R-MA community through events, fundraising, and parent engagement.
ATHLETICS
The Yellow Jackets took to the Academy’s fields and courts with determination this year, with cadets participating across 11 fall and winter sports teams!
Varsity Football defeated Massanutten Military Academy twice (50-0 and 54-6) and won against Quantico 36-28. Teni Abegunde ‘30 went VISFL First Team All-State - Kicker, Akhil Patnala ‘26 went VISFL First Team All State - Linebacker, and Chester HendjiNotewo ‘27 earned VISFL Defensive Player of the Year, VISFL First Team All-State - Defensive Back, Athlete, Wide Receiver, and Kick Returner.
Cross Country had a strong season, with 16 runners competing at the VISAA State Championships. The boys’ team finished that meet in 6th out of 20 teams, with Michael DeMato, Jr. ‘27 taking 11th place all-state and Isaac Kucia ‘30 earning 19th place. The girls’ team saw several personal bests and for the first time since 2022, six runners competed and finished at States. Olivia Medina ‘30, Michael DeMato, Jr. ‘27, and Isaac Kucia ‘30 made the top 10 all-conference. Special congratulations also to Michael DeMato, Jr. ‘27, who set a new R-MA school record in the Men’s 5K (16:58:20) at the Foxcroft Invitational this season!
Girls’ Tennis had several notable wins this season, including a 6-3 victory over Highland, and Yiannah Kats ‘26 made first team all-conference.
Boys’ Soccer improved with each game, bringing home two wins over Massanutten Military Academy and a 7-0 win over Eukarya Christian, as well as a 10-2 victory against Wakefield Country Day School. Finn Strabley ‘26 and Daryl Muhindo ‘27 made first team all-conference, and Emerick Halls ‘28, Francis Banek-Gabelle ‘27, and Roman Trombulak ‘28 made second team all-conference.
Volleyball won 3-0 against Wakefield Country Day School, and demonstrated tremendous grit and hustle in narrow losses to Quantico and Foxcroft School. Renae Omondi ‘26 and Bijou Kebbay ‘27 made second team all-conference.
The Wrestling season is off to a solid start, finishing 7th at their season opener, the Admiral Holloway Tournament, where they had four first-round wins, all by pin, and every wrestler earned at least one victory.
At Varsity Swimming’s first meet of the season - a dual meet against Fredericksburg Academy, the Carmel School, Wakefield, Massanutten, and Foxcroft, the Boys’ team finished 1st and the Girls’ took home third. Their respective season records are now at 4-0 and 3-2.
Basketball kicked off with the 3rd Annual Hoopin’ on the Hill Tournament, where the R-MA boys’ team brought home the Championship! Boys’ Varsity Basketball also defeated Chelsea Academy with a strong 71-43 win and took another win over Massanutten 68-14, while Girls’ Basketball defeated Wakefield and earned two victories over Massanutten (51-3 and 5611)! Boys’ JV Basketball took a loss to John Paul the Great Montessori, but continues to work hard in the gym, improving every day.
Athletics would also like to thank all the many alumni, parents, and friends who have supported the Yellow Jackets so far this year, particularly those who contributed to the success of this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign! Donors raised more than $47,910 to support every R-MA team, sport, and athlete - thank you, thank you, thank you! Even If you missed Giving Tuesday, you can still support R-MA and Yellow Jacket Athletics! Visit www.RMA.edu/donate or call (540) 636-5206 to make your tax-deductible donation today.
Alumni, families, and friends gathered on The Hill for Homecoming and Reunions on the weekend of October 17-18!
This year, R-MA celebrated all classes ending in 0 and 5, with a special welcome to classes marking milestone reunions this year, including 50th Reunion Class, 1975! Over two beautiful fall days, alumni made the most of their time together, catching up on Academy news during cadet-led campus tours and the R-MA Update, followed by the Alumni Celebration Dinner at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club.
Following the Community Coffee Hour on Saturday morning, co-hosted by the Alumni Association and Parents Association, R-MA cadets and students paid tribute to fallen alumni during the Memorial Parade. This year’s Homecoming flag was presented to Mr. Bryan Moore ‘84, outgoing President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, to thank him for his years of service. Mr. Moore will continue to serve the R-MA community both as a member of the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
After breaking for lunch, the Alumni Association took a few minutes to present two awards to outstanding members of the community. Receiving the Staff Recognition Award: Mr. David English ‘89, Director of Student Life, Security, and Emergency Management. Receiving the Byron C. Gayle ‘50 Dedicated Service Award: Mr. Harry G. Austin, III ‘75. Congratulations, and thank you to all who joined us for Homecoming!
SAVE THE DATE!
Homecoming is set for October 16-17, 2026! The schedule is coming soon, so stay tuned.
Classes ending in 1 and 6 will be celebrating milestone reunions this year. If you’d like to help plan your class’s reunion events, please contact your class ambassador or reach out to the Advancement Office at (540) 636-5206 or advancement@RMA.edu!
SPIRITUAL LIFE AT R-MA:
A CITY ON A HILL
Randolph-Macon Academy was founded in 1892 by the Baltimore Conference of the United Methodist Church, with the aim of preparing young men for the rigors of college academics (and specifically for Randolph-Macon College) under the auspices of the Methodist Church. Today, R-MA remains a United Methodist-affiliated school listed by the United Methodist Senate, with a globally and culturally diverse student body, and welcomes cadets of all religions.
Faculty and staff believe that young people must have an ethical, moral, and spiritual foundation upon which to build their lives. To that end, we strive to integrate spiritual formation into the regular rhythms of the cadets’ lives, fostering a community of respect and compassion - and ultimately, to be the proverbial “city on a hill,” whose light cannot be hidden.
R-MA cadets arrive on campus at many different places in their individual faith journeys. “Christianity is a huge part of my life,” said Zunuo Anglamenga ‘26. “Being raised in an African household, I’ve been taught to put God first and that religion comes before all else. From a young age, I was involved in the church - from helping in the children’s class to reading the Bible, then to attending confirmation class. My grandparents instilled the meaning of prayer and devotion in my life…by coming to R-MA, I get to continuously grow in my faith and fellowship with my peers and partake in mission trips to give back to the community.” In contrast, Chester HendjiNotewo ‘27 shared that “when I first arrived at R-MA, my faith felt pretty shaky. I was really confused about what I wanted and how to get there. But after spending time at R-MA and being around people who were so knowledgeable and willing to share their support, everything started to make more sense. It helped me find a clear path and gave me insights that I could pass on to other students around campus.”
Likewise, Dleanna Hoosain ‘26 says, “I was led to my faith through students I had met my freshman year and through the Spiritual Life program. They
introduced a more intuitive side of Christianity and ways to get involved in Spiritual Life events. Although my family is Christian and we have participated in the religion for a long time, I personally never felt connected to it the way I did after meeting those students.”
Reverend Monica Reynolds, R-MA Chaplain, describes spiritual life at the Academy as a “leadership lab, like everything else we do here. We help students holistically own their faith identity, then live that out in practical ways. We have the perfect lab for that here. At R-MA, we live together, work together, and worship and pray together.”
All R-MA cadets attend weekly Chapel services, led by Chaplain Reynolds and a team of 15-20 cadet volunteers, called the Spiritual Adaptive Leadership Team (SALT Team). These cadets help organize the service, including lighting candles, reading from the liturgy, and even sharing their own sermons.
“I hope that my peers use my words to learn that it’s okay to make mistakes,” said one SALT team cadet, recalling the nervewracking experience of giving a sermon to the entire cadet regiment during her sophomore year. “Seeing other people confidently share their opinions has encouraged me to do the same. Today sometimes I still bite my tongue, but the strong community of faith at R-MA has helped me realize that mistakes will always be made and you will often not know what the ‘right’ thing to say is, but we learn by having conversations and you never know how far the words you’re too scared to say can go in someone else’s life.”
“For a while I was struggling to read the Bible or find a reason to
“We help students holistically own their faith identity, then live that out in practical ways... At R-MA, we live together, work together, and worship and pray together.”
REV. MONICA REYNOLDS
pick it up without feeling bored,” shared Faith Asamoah-Mono ‘26. “However, a student preached a sermon with a story about a boy with a charcoal-lined basket. All day, his grandfather sent him to a well to collect water with the basket, but it would always leak through the holes; the boy became discouraged, as he would always end up back home with zero water. Then his grandfather encouraged him to look at the basket itself; it was clean now. The lesson was that, even if you don’t end up remembering all the scripture you read, it’s still changing you every time. I think back on that very often.”
Cadets also pray together before meals, and explore their faith on their own time at voluntary weekly Bible study sessions (Chaplain Reynolds enthused that they’re “more vibrant than I’ve ever experienced,” and estimates that 25% of cadets participate regularly), and even take their faith to the sidelines of sports games and in the dorms. “My first experiences with my faith were simple,” said SALT Team member Dleanna ‘26. “I read scriptures at Chapel. Eventually I began attending Bible study, which led me
to learning about Jesus himself and understanding his word… I found myself wanting to share God’s work and inspire others.”
Other cadets help lead worship as part of the Praise Band, singing or playing instruments under the direction of R-MA’s Music Director, Mr. Michael DeMato. “I joined the praise band because it was the best way for me to use my God-given gift of music,” said Mr. DeMato’s son, Michael DeMato Jr. ‘27. “We prepare for each chapel service by practicing once a week. We often don’t need a ton of practice due to our experience and knowing the songs we play. Being in the Praise Band and listening to the music we play in general has truly helped me to grasp a better understanding of certain concepts of faith.”
All cadets also have the opportunity to take a Survey of World Religions class for academic credit, as well as pursuing confirmation classes and baptisms, participating in community service projects and mission trips, and attending services on weekends at local houses of worship.
According to the Pew Research Center’s 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study, which surveyed more than 35,000 Americans across all 50 states, approximately 62% of Americans identify at Christian, while 7% identify with other religions (2% Jewish, 1% Muslim, 1% Buddhist, and 1% Hindu) and 29% identify as religiously unaffiliated. R-MA’s student body mirrors this breakdown. “We live in a religiously diverse community,” observed Chaplain Reynolds. “It helps people to own their faith in a bolder way. It used to be that everyone believed the same thing. Now it makes you reflect on why you
“A typical Bible study session starts at 1845 [6:45pm], when everyone gathers in the Chapel and sits in a circle...we start reading a chapter of the Bible...for example, [right now] the group as a whole [is] finishing reading Matthew...Each person reads two verses and it goes on until the chapter is finished. When the chapter was done being read, the main speaker asks if any verses stuck out to anyone. If there were, then we would all discuss why that sticks out.”
NATHANIEL WONG
‘28
“‘Pick it up and preach’ is an exercise we do sometimes in Bible study...where the person preaching finds something around them to preach a sermon on. One example I remember that stuck out to me is a girl who was eating a banana and connected it to the Fruits of the Spirit. I really enjoy doing ‘pick it up and preach’ and it’s shown me that God can be anywhere, in anything, and for any good reason.”
FAITH ASAMOAH-MONO ‘26
“We traveled about six hours [to the Appalachia Service Project]...This trip helped me understand that faith is not easy. The walk to God is a challenge and takes more than just reading the Bible or following your family to church. It is dedication and love for others...It made me more grateful, caring and most of all compassionate because you truly never know what people go through…I am now a mission trip coordinator for the Spiritual Life team.” DLEANNA HOOSAIN ‘26
believe what you believe, based on knowledge and respect rather than fear.” R-MA cadets of all faiths are supported in their journeys by both faculty and staff and their fellow cadets; during weekly Chapel services, visitors may hear readings from the Torah, Quran, and other texts in observation of religious holidays like Passover, Yom Kippur, Ramadan, Diwali, Holi, and Bodhi. All cadets, faculty, and staff members also have access to the interfaith prayer room located next to Student Services in SonnerPayne Hall.
“Throughout my entire life, I’ve always held faith close to my heart,” said Alan Husted ‘28. “[R-MA has] a unique and friendly environment that I had no struggle being a part of, although the school is dominantly Christian and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. I received so much
support when it came to practicing my beliefs, and it was easy to participate in events like Ramadan. My personal favorite moment regarding my faith at R-MA, was when my roommate and I would wake up for Ramadan super early every morning and start our day with our meal before the sun rises. It’s moments like those that keep me close to my faith. And with the help of R-MA, I will only grow more spiritually.”
“It’s a very calm and open environment,” reflected Zunuo ‘26. “Many people come with their testimony, what they learned from it, and how they saw God work through them to others.” Faith ‘26 added, “I’ve experienced times and seasons where I struggled to seek God continually. I learned that even during times when it doesn’t ‘feel’ like He’s with me, God is eternal and always in the room...
Jesus wants a relationship with us always, and is constantly reaching out; I desire for people to reach out too.”
Nathaniel ‘28 shared: “I have had many deep and serious one-onone conversations about topics in religion or anything related to religion with different people here at R-MA. Those types of conversations have made me realize how similar I am with the people here at R-MA. Sometimes we have the same problems, questions, or views on certain things or ideas. They also help me look at things at a different angle, so I get a bigger picture of everything…spiritual life at R-MA is a safe space. If there is something bothering you, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the SALT leaders or members. People are here for you and will help you out the best they could.”
REV. MONICA REYNOLDS, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, serves as the Chaplain for Randolph-Macon Academy. Rev. Reynolds leads and oversees all Spiritual Life programming at the Academy and directs a student leadership team. She cultivates potential through a student-centered program where cadets are formed in spiritual and religious disciplines, sound doctrine, and practical leadership applications, such as organizing faith-based events and activities at the Academy and in everyday life.
Monica leads weekly chapel services for 200 students, plus faculty. She directs worship planning meetings, hosts interfaith events, schedules retreats, mission, and service opportunities, leads an annual Christian confirmation class, and oversees a weekly Bible study for 45 students, where students facilitate small group discussions. Additionally, Rev. Reynolds counsels students on spiritual and ethical matters, mentors and develops student leaders, and is a member of the teaching faculty, currently instructing World Religions to 25 students.
Monica has a professional background in trauma-informed ministry, missional church practices, large church leadership, finance, strategy, and organizational change management. Her twenty years of experience span two branches of the military, a consulting firm, three large faith communities, and multiple foster and adoption communities. She seeks to build trust, safety, alignment, clarity of vision, and a sense of interdependence in all arenas.
MAST HALL TRANSFORMED:
THE CENTER FOR APPLIED LEADERSHIP
Mast Hall now provides a top-notch home for R-MA’s Character and Leadership Development Program (CLDP), as well as the Aviation program: the Center for Applied Leadership (CAL)! The motto, “surge ducere,” underscores the purpose of the program: Rise to Lead.
All CLDP classes are now held in the academic wing of Mast Hall, with the former Community Hall serving as the Main Briefing Room. The gymnasium provides a much-needed indoor space for drill practice, as well as unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) course, and the lounge has been redesigned to provide a glimpse into the long history of R-MA’s military program. The former dining hall has transformed into a new Student Center, updated with new paint and flooring, comfortable soft seating, multiple TV’s, gaming systems, a pool table, darts, and much more. It has already hosted the Homecoming Dance and the Freshman Brick Luncheon and will host other student life events, including the annual Military Ball, in the coming weeks.
The Academy thanks the donors who supported this project, without whom it would not have been possible.
CAMPUS UPGRADES:
SONNER-PAYNE POOL RENOVATED
The pool located in Sonner-Payne Hall celebrated its 100th birthday this year, and renovations were completed just in time to celebrate! Originally constructed alongside a gymnasium that would later become the former Rives Hall (now Rives Plaza), the pool was opened for use in the 1925-26 academic year, and was among the surviving structures following the 1927 fire that destroyed R-MA’s original building.
As with any pool of this age, it had seen repairs and equipment replacements over the years, but it was due for an overhaul. Renovations completed this year included a complete resurfacing and replastering of the pool, adding new tile centerlines, T and target lines, replacing pool control equipment and upgrading the filter system, and repairs and upgrades to the pool area (including ceiling repairs and painting HVAC ducting, benches, etc.). Thanks to the generous support of the local Phoenix Swim Club, the pool is also enjoying new floating lane dividers. The pool re-opened right on time for the start of the Varsity Swim season, and is ready to serve R-MA cadets for years to come!
SUMMER AT R-MA
JUNE 28 - JULY 17, 2026
RISING GRADES 8-12
Randolph-Macon Academy’s summer programs have long been designed for students who thrive in a structured environment and want to use the summer to build skills, strengthen confidence, and stay engaged academically. Students may enroll in one of three summer pathways, each designed with the same core purpose: to provide meaningful instruction, high expectations, and a supportive environment where students can grow.
Military Operations Course (MOC) - New for 2026!
MOC is designed for students who are interested in military pathways, service academy preparation, and leadership development through real-world, hands-on training. Students receive guided instruction and practical training in areas such as land navigation, operational planning, close-quarters movement, patrolling techniques, communication systems, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care. Training is team-based, physically active, and intentionally structured to strengthen discipline, decision-making, and confidence under pressure. The program concludes with a culminating mission exercise in which students work together to plan and execute a scenario in a simulated contested environment. This final event reinforces the course’s core lessons, including adaptability, teamwork, and effective leadership.
Aviation Summer Camp
R-MA’s Aviation Summer Camp gives students the opportunity to explore aviation through hands-on instruction, real flight experiences, and meaningful exposure to the aerospace field. Students learn through a combination of flight training in R-MA aircraft, simulator experiences, and ground instruction led by experienced aviation professionals. Throughout the program, students also participate in guest speaker sessions and weekly field trips that highlight aviation careers and pathways in aerospace, engineering, commercial aviation, and private flight. A major component of the program is drone training focused on unmanned flight systems. Students gain experience in drone piloting, aerial photography, and data-collection techniques for mapping and 3D modeling. They also learn about the process of pursuing the FAA Remote Pilot Certification, with testing completed separately at an FAA testing center. In addition to technical instruction, students participate in teambased challenges such as drone obstacle courses, racing events, and search-and-rescue scenarios. These experiences strengthen collaboration, problem-solving, and applied STEM learning in a high-engagement setting.
Academic Summer Program (Including Cybersecurity)
The Academic Summer Program provides students with structured learning, small class sizes, and individualized academic support. Students may enroll in either repeat-credit courses or preparatory courses, depending on their needs and goals. Courses are offered based on student interest and enrollment and may include remedial and preparatory options for: English 8, 9, 10, and 11, ESOL (all levels, resulting in a noncredit certificate), Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Biology. Cybersecurity is offered as a preparatory course for students who want an introduction to one of the most relevant and rapidly growing fields in modern education and industry. Students explore foundational topics such as Linux, networking, cryptography, cyber law and policy, risk assessment, and common cybersecurity tools. Course activities align with CYBER.ORG’s national cybersecurity curriculum and provide early exposure to certification pathways, including the CompTIA Security+ certification.
For more information about Summer at R-MA or to enroll in Summer 2026, visit www.RMA.edu/summer, or contact the Admissions Office at admissions@RMA.edu!
IN MEMORIAM:
MS. CYNTHIA A. MICHAEL
As the cadets departed for winter break, the R-MA community mourned the loss of one of its longeststanding faculty members. Ms. Cynthia Ann “Cindy” Michael, Chair of the STEM Department and an R-MA teacher, coach, mentor, and friend, unexpectedly passed away on December 15, 2025. She was 57 years old.
Born on January 9, 1968 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Charles and Sarah Kaufman Michael, Ms. Michael was a graduate of Miami University of Ohio with a Masters from the University of Dayton. She arrived at R-MA in August 1993 as a Computer Science teacher and she would go on to teach Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Honors Algebra, Geometry, and Honors Geometry. In 2019, Ms. Michael was named Chair of the Math Department; in 2021, she was named Chair of the STEM Department. Ms. Michael also coached several sports at R-MA, including swimming, field hockey, girls’ soccer, and cheerleading, while also serving as a mentor and advisor to the Mu Alpha Theta (the National Math Honor Society). She was named Faculty of the 2nd Quarter in 2005, Mentor of the 2nd Quarter in 2007, Coach of the Winter Season and Coach of the Year in 2007, Mentor of the 1st Quarter in 2012 and 2013, and Faculty of the 2nd Quarter in 2015.
A memorial service for Ms. Michael was held in Boggs Chapel on January 16, 2026 and can be watched on the Academy’s YouTube channel. The service included a video with messages from Ms. Michael’s current and past students, colleagues, and friends, including:
• “Ms. Michael gave every student at R-MA an opportunity not only to love math, but to love learning, and I think that’s an opportunity we will all cherish forever.”
• “She was dedicated to her students, she was a dedicated colleague, she was dependable and loving…it is a real sadness that she has now passed. However, she lived a life of service, of which we can all be proud.”
• “Every interaction I had with her was filled with grace, class, and kindness. She was truly a gift to this world, and I will miss her terribly.”
• “Her compassion, her steady presence, and her devotion to her students has shaped this community, and will continue to in lasting ways. She will be deeply missed.”
R-MA President Brig Gen David Wesley closed out the ceremony, noting, “We have long been one family. But if we are, it’s because of people like Cindy, who found ways to bring us together. So on behalf of the faculty and staff and our students, thank you for all making the time to be here today…I think she would smile, and all of us who have worked here and known Cindy are grateful to you.”
In honor of her years of service to the Academy, Ms. Michael’s family has established the Cynthia A. Michael Memorial Scholarship, to support meritorious cadets with demonstrated financial need, with preference to female cadets planning to pursue a career in education. Donations to the Scholarship may be sent to the Advancement Office at R-MA, with checks made out to Randolph-Macon Academy with “Cynthia A. Michael Memorial Scholarship” in the memo line; donations can also be made online at www.RMA.edu/donate or by phone at (540) 636-5206.
IN MEMORIAM:
REV. DR. R. BRUCE BICKEL ‘61
WRITTEN BY R-MA PRESIDENT
BRIGADIER
GENERAL DAVID C. WESLEY, USAF, RET
I’ve had the privilege of writing articles about our graduates several times and enjoy the chance to talk, even posthumously, about someone I met, liked, and respected. The recent loss of Rev. Dr. R. Bruce Bickel is not like that; he was an incredible person and I never met him. My conversations with people who knew him well have made me regret my failure to cross his path many times in recent weeks. I am proud to say that most of our alumni live successful lives. A smaller number so conduct themselves that their lives can instruct the rest of us.
Rev. Dr. R. Bruce Bickel accomplished exactly that… quietly, steadily, and with the sort of character to which
all Yellow Jackets should aspire. We were saddened to learn of his passing on November 24, 2025, but our community can be grateful for the example he leaves behind.
Bruce’s story is one that feels tailor-made for a school like ours: a cadet-athlete at Randolph-Macon Academy, a midshipman-athlete at the U.S. Naval Academy, a Naval officer who served in Vietnam, and later a national Christian leader who spent decades shaping other leaders.
Bruce was a 1961 graduate of Randolph-Macon Academy, and a leader in his class - class president and president of the Student Council, captain of “B” Company, a multi-sport varsity athlete, Sabre staff associate editor, and a member of both the drill team and Sunday School Committee. Like many R-MA cadets of that era, he carried forward the Academy’s familiar mix of structure, teamwork, and “do the right thing when nobody’s watching”: the kind of training and experience that shows up later on in life, in progressively more demanding situations.
SUCCESS AT ANNAPOLIS
Bruce graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1966 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and played quarterback for Navy football. Folks I talked with consistently mentioned that Bruce “was the backup to some guy named ‘Staubach.’” Apparently, Bruce did pretty well in escaping Roger Staubach’s massive shadow, receiving the Midshipman of the Year Award (Annapolis Chamber of Commerce) and the Thompson Trophy, awarded to the graduating senior who did the most to promote intercollegiate athletics at the Naval Academy.
VIETNAM: LEADERSHIP UNDER FIRE
Bruce served the Navy in a variety of capacities during Vietnam, including many missions as a forward air
controller. On one of these missions, he was shot down and badly injured in the crash. Those who’ve not heard his description of the events surrounding his rescue by a young Airman might enjoy listening to Bruce’s compelling account on The Scattered Seeds podcast (Episode 110, at time stamp 12:30).
For those who don’t have time for the podcast, I can tell you that those few minutes, lying on the ground with a broken back as enemy soldiers closed in around him, were transformative for Bruce Bickel. He would use the story to motivate himself and those around him for decades to come. Before leaving Vietnam, he also helped to create and support an orphanage in the city of Hue, an effort that became indicative of the many lives he would go on to touch after his time in the Navy ended.
Following his Navy service, Bruce pursued a theological education (including graduate degrees through Luther Rice Seminary, with studies that also took him to Oxford, England), and he served as a pastor and Bible teacher. He also became a prolific writer and mentor - co-authoring books, writing articles, and becoming known for memorable “Bickelisms” that combined clarity with conviction.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Bruce earned a senior leadership role with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as Vice President for the Kansas City region. There, his leadership style stayed consistent: servant-leadership, personal accountability, and building organizations that last because their people are grounded. Bruce also served as a managing director in PNC Wealth Management’s Private Foundation Management Services, helping individuals and families deploy resources effectively for community good. In 2000 he received the H. John Heinz Community Service Award for his work in the Pittsburgh area. Later, he founded the Transformational Leadership Group (2003), extending his impact by coaching leaders and organizations.
Parents sometimes ask me what we are “really” building here. Bruce Bickel’s life is, to me, a compelling and time-tested answer. He developed tangible skills (academics and athletics), accepted real responsibility
(military service), and then spent decades using his influence to elevate others (through faith leadership, teaching, philanthropy). In one of his published pieces on leadership, he argued that character must come before conduct - an idea that feels as timely now as ever.
Whether you’re an alumnus who remembers Bruce or a parent who wants to show your child what “values in action” looks like, his story is worth sharing at the dinner table. It’s not flashy. It’s not tech-savvy. It is better: it’s durable and, thanks to Bruce’s work and God’s Grace, it is a message that endures!
FINAL ROLL CALL
Since the publication of the last issue of The Sabre, we have received notification that the following members of the Randolph-Macon Academy family have passed away. They are greatly missed, and they will remain in our hearts forever.
(Please note: notifications received after January 31, 2026 are not included in this list.)
Robert W. Chewning ‘48 December 2, 2025
David R. Hull, Jr. ‘48 July 20, 2025
Thomas W. deBeck ‘55 December 5, 2025
L. John Turner, Jr. ‘55 January 5, 2026
Charles M. Hickman, Jr. ‘56 July 26, 2024
Edward H. Wildrick ‘56 September 9, 2025
Kenneth R. Pierce, Jr. ‘58 March 23, 2025
Alan H. Blacklock ‘59 September 5, 2025
Edgar Jones, III ‘60 October 22, 2025
C. Terry Titus ‘60 January 1, 2021
Jerry M. Bartlett ‘61 May 11, 2023
R. Bruce Bickel ‘61 November 24, 2025
Preston C. Kellam, Jr. ‘62 September 4, 2025
Richard E. Spillers ‘63 June 6, 2025
Richard S. Von Schilling ‘63 January 4, 2025
Calvin L. Stanley ‘66 August 22, 2025
W. Harold Robinson ‘68 October 4, 2025
William R. Lane ‘69 March 25, 2024
Richard A. Marsh ‘72 January 12, 2026
Jeffrey A. Rubish ‘74 October 23, 2025
Frank J. Lukasik ‘77 July 6, 2025
Fletcher K. Eastham ‘79 September 20, 2025
Ilya N. Beloozerov ‘92 October 4, 2025
Richard L. Fieo ‘95 July 28, 2025
David D. Monahan ‘97 April 22, 2024
Roy A. Lamb, Jr. Former R-MA Teacher
December 29, 2025
Cynthia (Cindy) A. Michael R-MA Teacher
December 15, 2025
THE SABRE
RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY
200 Academy Drive
Front Royal, Virginia 22630
For parents: if this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer lives at home, please notify R-MA of the new mailing address at 540-636-5206 or at advancement@RMA.edu.
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Cheered on by upperclassmen, the Class of 2029 carries their class brick from a celebratory luncheon at the Center for Applied Leadership to the display case in Turner Hall, where it will rest until the end of their senior year. The night before they graduate, they will place the brick at the Alumni Brick Terrace, where it will serve as a lasting memory and legacy for their class.