Alumni to Alumni Newsletter
May 2016
Alumni News Last Roll Call Sports New Athletic Director Did You Know? Stem Summer School Founder’s Day Open House Invitation Captain’s Club
May Newsletter Dear Fellow Alumni, We have dedicated this newsletter to you and it is our goal to keep you informed on past, present, and future activities at Massanutten Military Academy. Our Alumni News page is devoted to the happenings in your lives. We would love to hear about your life, work, family, hobbies, vacations, weddings, and births.
Please keep in touch!
Congratulations Drill Team These cadets in Dress uniform are preparing for the Harrisonburg High School Drill meet where they competed against seven schools. The Gearing Rifle Team came home with the coveted Leadership
award; 1st place for Armed Individual Drill by Cadet SFC Elijah Sampson; and his squad also took 3rd place for Best Armed Squad. Great Job Cadets!!
Alumni News
Would you like to host an outing with cadets for the day? These daytrips can be fun and bring a tremendous amount of satisfaction by giving a few cadets the day off and a great meal. We all remember how nice it was to be able to leave campus for an afternoon and evening. These daytrips can occur anytime of the year and not restricted to only the warm weather time of the year. If any alumni would like to host an outing with a few cadets for the day please contact Dean Simonds to assist with arrangements. Dean Simonds [email protected]
Please send us your email addresses in order to send your newsletter in color and in a much more timely fashion. Currently it takes five business days to hand prepare and send the printed alumni newsletters. Please take a few moments and send me your email address so we can send your newsletter either to your home, business, family member, or close friend.
Receiving your email would save us plenty of time and money. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you very much,
Dean Simonds ‘63 571-232-7350 / [email protected]
MMA Alumni you now have your own Email address! For all information, comments, and ideas please send them to :
Please submit any birth announcements you may have and would like to share with
your fellow alumni.
Pictures are most welcomed!
Please submit any wedding announcements you may have and would
like to share with your fellow alumni.
Pictures are most welcomed!
Births
Weddings
Cadet Class
Calvin H. Coblentz ....... 1939 Orrin French .............. 1949 Tyler Huffman ............ 2014
Alumni News
Special Announcements
Attention Homecoming Class of ’66
Join us this year for your 50th Anniversary at Homecoming 2016.
If you graduated from MMA in 1966 and are interested in coming to Homecoming or would like to
communicate with other Alumni from your class contact us at:
We would love to hear from you!
When in Woodstock be sure to tune to 94.9 WUDS. WUDS is our new academy run radio station, playing all your favorite songs from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. WUDS 94.9 has been made possible entirely by Board of Trustee Member Pete Wenk. Mr. Wenk is a seasoned radio professional who has shared his passion for radio with MMA.
Listen live on MMA’s website http://www.militaryschool.com/page/Arts/WUDS-949
A special thanks to Alumnus Ray Muirhead ‘67 of Battlefield Ford for his tremendous help in obtaining the 2015 Ford Transit Van. Not only did Mr. Muirhead help create a great deal for the van, he also
made a cash donation towards the final purchase. This van was an important addition to the MMA’s travel fleet enabling MMA to transport a smaller number of cadets and save on travel expenses. Thank you Ray Muirhead ‘67 for your continual support of Massanutten Military Academy. Your donation, time, and effort is much appreciated.
We would like to send another special thank you to Rick Ruhlin ’69. Every year the senior graduating cadets receive a gift bag full of Massanutten items. These gifts are
donated and carefully chosen by Mr. Ruhlin himself. Rick would like everyone to know that the Massanutten merchandise is also available for you as well. These items are a great way to support MMA and will be available for purchase at Homecoming 2016. For the list of items, prices, and availability. Please contact Rick Ruhlin (330)724-1603 2016 Senior Gifts
It is with sadness that we announce the death of CALVIN H. COBLENTZ,
who died peacefully on Saturday April 9, 2016.
Cal was a stalwart of the asphalt, paving and construction industry in Maryland
from the 1960’s when he purchased the Baltimore Asphalt Paving Company through to
his retirement as Executive Director of the Maryland Chapter of the AGC of America in
2005.
Throughout his long and varied career Cal was known for his honesty, integrity
and generosity. A native of Middletown, MD, Cal never forgot his roots and spoke fondly
of his upbringing in rural Middletown and of his time spent at Massanutten Military
Academy in Woodstock, VA becoming an enthusiastic and active Alumnus for many
years. He was a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering which
kindled his lifelong interest in Construction.
Cal was originally hired as an Estimator for the Baltimore Asphalt Paving
Company, rising to Chief Estimator, and subsequently President. After the Owner died, his
widow decided to sell the business and Cal stepped in to protect the employees, then
purchasing the Company. He built it over the years with tenacity, and established a
reputation for quality of construction. Cal always made it a point to treat his employees like
family, and they repaid him with their loyalty. He worked hard to advance the Maryland
paving and construction industry, serving as President of the Maryland Heavy & Highway
Contractors, Association (now MTBMA) from 1989 - 1995. Cal also served as the State
Director for Maryland on the Board of the National Asphalt Paving Association from
1990 to 1996 and was President of the Maryland Asphalt Association from 1983 -1985 .He
was also on the Board of the AGC from 1995 to 1997. He tirelessly promoted
construction in Maryland and was particularly interested in attracting young talented
Engineers to the Industry.
He sold his company in 1988 and remained a consultant until 1997 when
he was invited to become the Executive Director of the Maryland Chapter of the
AGC. He served in this position until retirement in 2005.
Cal and his wife Sophia ( Dee ) enjoyed time together on the Eastern Shore
where they entertained family and friends. Dee died in 2013, and Cal continued to
live in their home in Towson. Cal will be remembered as a consummate gentleman
who led by example, sharing his vision, values and unique insight with everyone he
met. -Written by Sue Battey -
Calvin H. Coblentz class of ‘39
Sports
This year’s rifle team posted a regular season record of 5-1 (2-1 vs FMS) before competing in the state tournament. Despite posting their best score of the year, the Colonels lost to their nemesis Fishburne. It was a truly amazing year for these 8 individuals, 5 of which were female.
Team members: Kayla Foley – Junior
Jack Chen – Junior Gavin Gorecki – Junior
Alexsandria Zeynalova – Junior Tingjia Tao – Sophomore Kevin Zhao – Sophomore
Emily Hauter – Sophomore Milena Munoz – Sophomore
While the season didn’t end the way they hoped, the future is bright for MMA’s rifle team.
Senior Eric Wissemann led the Colonels on the mat this season, providing stability in competition and an example to the younger cadets on how to train and prepare in the sport of wrestling.
Eric finished his senior year with a 28-6 record, 21 of those victories coming by pins as well as winning all the tournaments he was entered in. In the postseason, he was a MAWL Conference champion and earned a 4th place finish at the VISAA State Championships at the 220 lb. weight class, the highest state finish by a Massanutten wrestler in 9 years.
His VISAA finish qualified him for the National Prep Wrestling Championships at Lehigh University. This year it was a return trip as he qualified for Prep Nationals last year. He was also awarded a mention on the Northern Virginia Daily 2nd team All-Area wrestling team at 220 lbs.
We are very proud of all the great things Eric accomplished this season and are proud of the legacy he will leave Massanutten Wrestling with. We wish Eric even more success in the future .
Wrestling
Spring Sports
Lacrosse Baseball
Raiders Softball
Tennis Track + Field
Being a team member of
a sport is an important
part of the curriculum at
MMA. We believe in the
positive benefits that
participating in athletics
can bring.
There is a wide variety
of sports cadets may
choose from in the Fall,
Winter, and Spring.
Be sure to check MMA’s
website
for highlights, calendars,
team roster, and photos
of each team sport
MMA has to offer.
Head Coach: Dave Strong
Asst. Coach: Kenneth Souers
Head Coach: Lori Campbell
Asst. Coaches: Frank Campbell & Sean Regan
Head Coach: Col. Marcelo Gonzalez
Head Coach: Jennifer Dick
Asst. Coach: Holly Helsley, Brian Dick Supervisor: SFC Richard Kurtz
New Athletic Director
It is with much enthusiasm that
we introduce Michael Scott
Campbell, Massanutten Military
Academy’s new Athletic Director.
Mr. Campbell has vast
experience working as an
athletic director and school
principal. He will be starting his
new position at MMA starting in
the fall of 2016.
Mr. Campbell graduated from the University of Virginia in
1981 majoring in
Sports Medicine and Health/Physical
Education and receiving a Master’s degree in
Administration and Supervision from the
University. For 16 years he was highly
involved in the athletic aspect of teaching
serving as athletic trainer, coaching and
athletic director. From 1997-2015 he served
as an administrator as school principal, first
in Virginia and the last few years in Alabama. Mr. Campbell has received many
honors over his career for his involvement in athletics, education, and
administration including Administrator of the Year in 2014 by the Alabama
Scholastic Press. We are so pleased he has decided to join us here back in Virginia.
Please welcome him as Athletic Director of Massanutten Military Academy.
Mr. Campbell, his son, and a teammate.
Michael Scott Campbell
New Athletic Director
Did You Know?
May 14 Spring Play May 14 Battle of New Market Reenactment
May 14 Zip Lining May 14 Open House (10:00AM-1:00PM)
May 19 Faculty/Staff vs Cadet Games
May 23-24 Final Exams May 27 End of 6th grading period May 27 Academic/Senior Parade/ Baccalaureate May 28 Open House (10:00AM–1:00PM)
May 28 Graduation
* Note: All Dates Subject to Change
Thursday, May 5 Lacrosse @ Chelsea Academy ......................................... 4:00 PM
Tennis @ Chelsea Academy ............................................. 4:30 PM
Friday, May 6 Softball vs Quantico ......................................................... 4:00 PM Baseball vs Quantico ........................................................ 4:30 PM
Monday, May 9 Lacrosse vs Wakefield Country Day School ..................... 4:30 PM Playing Fields (Gordon D, Bowman Stadium)
Track & Field @Strasburg ................................................. 5:00 PM
Tuesday, May 10 Softball @ Maryland School for the Deaf ......................... 4:00PM
Saturday, May 14 Track & Field @ Richmond ................................................ 8:00 AM
While waiting for your next Alumni newsletter discover the most recent news
and events at MMA through any of the following:
www.militaryschool.com
Massanutten Military Academy
@MassanuttenAcad
massanuttenmilitaryacademy
www.colonelscadence.com
Did You Know?
Every year every JROTC unit must compete in the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB). It is competition to demonstrate leadership and academic knowledge tested over 3 levels. Level 1 requires all schools to participate. This year 1,498 Army JROTC schools competed. Of those schools, 652 advanced to level 3. Only the top 24 teams advance to level 3 in each category (Leadership and Academic). MMA had an academic team compete in Level 3 in 2013. This year’s team has again advanced to level 3, the only military school to do so. Team members this year are Juniors Kayla Foley, Liam Wall, Kevin Zhang, Alexander Lundgren and ZiJing Liu and Sophomore Milena Munoz. Level 3 will be held at Catholic University 24-28 June. The top school from Army JROTC will compete against the top schools in the Navy, Air Force and Marine programs for the Department of Defense title.
*100% of Massanutten Cadets are accepted to institutions of higher learning after graduation.
*Over the past two years the amount awarded to graduating cadets have totaled to more than $1.5 million.
*MMA has Guaranteed Admissions
Agreements with the following institutions: Susquehanna University (significant tuition reduction)
Norwich University
Elmhurst College
The Amazon Smile Foundation donates a portion of the price of eligible purchases to MMA.
We are currently going through the process to have a rappel tower constructed on campus. The proposed location will be at the Gordon G. Bowman stadium off to the left as you face the bleachers. The tower will be 16' wide and 40' high. This structure will not only set us apart from other schools and institutions like ours but will also provide our cadets the opportunity to participate in training that very few people their age ever get to do. This training will instill in them the courage and belief that there is nothing they can't accomplish if they put their mind to it, build their self-esteem , and take their self-confidence to a level not thought possible. Currently a local engineer has developed and produced plans for the tower based on our needs and has surveyed the ground on which it is to be built. The total cost as of now looks to be approximately $10,000-$11,000.
STEM
STEM at Massanutten Military Academy
Top 10 STEM Careers
1. Application Software Developer
2. Market Research Analyst
3. Computer User Specialist
4. Industrial Engineer
5. Computer Programmer
6. Family and General Practitioner
7. Mechanical Engineer
8. Civil Engineer
9. Industrial Engineering Techni-cian
10. Cost Estimator
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program that helps middle and high school students identify their interests and plan an educational path in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. To round out this concept, we have added an additional emphasis on the Arts: Visual, Performing, Music, History, Writing, Philosophy, and Ethics
Students participating in this program may enjoy enrollment and scholarship preferences at universities and colleges partnered with Project Lead the Way.
Project Lead the Way Coursework
Middle School Robotics Flight and Space Energy and the
Environment High School Biomedical Engineering Computer
Science
Summer School
Choose from one of the following
four-week summer programs.
After the Summer Program, continue
your stay with Massanutten
Military Academy into the 2016-2017
school year. Day Students:
$8,400 5-day Boarding
Students: $26,900
7-day Boarding Students: $31,900
Colonel’s Camp 2016
The MMA Colonel’s Camp is a 4 week program for Middle School students, focused and designed to help young boys and girls in Grades 6th – 8th to learn valuable skills that will help them as they prepare for their High School careers.
This program focuses on community, character, leadership, patriotism, responsibility and service, as well as building the capacity for lifelong learning.
The program consists of a variety of activities like, classroom instruction, educational field trips, community service, and sports practice.
As part of the program, the students will have classes of US Military history, lectures and team work about motivation and self confidence.
Field trips planned for the year of 2016 include: Air & Space Museum in Dulles – VA, George Washington Memorial at Mount Vernon, Museum of the U.S. Marine Corps, Arlington National Cemetery, Luray Caverns, and New Market Civil War Battlefield & Museum.
Leisure supervised activities planned include: movies, video games, internet research, Woodstock public pool, “River Bandit” baseball games, movie theater, etc.
Don’t miss this opportunity for a positive combination of learning and fun this Summer!
Tuition for 2015-16 Academic Summer
Camp & JROTC Summer Program:
$3,200 ESL Summer
Program: $3,200
STEM Summer Camp: $1,750
Colonel’s Camp: $3,200
Lunch with Seniors
The Lunch with
Seniors in the
Spanier Library was
the first event to
kickoff Founder’s
day weekend. The
Board of Trustee
members were
there to have lunch
with the 2016
graduating seniors.
The Founders Day weekend was April 8+9 and the weekend was full of
scheduled activities. Friday - Alumni Lunch with the Seniors in Spanier Library - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Baseball and Softball Games vs. Maryland School for the Deaf - Cookout with Corps of Cadets in Cook & Kitchen Dining Hall - Donor Reception at Beverly Farms (Invitation Only) Saturday - Vendor Fair in Memorial Gym - Art Show in Memorial Gym - Parents PAC Meeting in Spanier Library - Admissions Open House in Riddleberger Hall - Brunch with Cadets in Cook & Kitchen Dining Hall - Academic Fair in the Hayes Activity Center - Cadet Recognition/Promotions (if applicable) - Inspection and Parade (weather permitting) - Alumni Council Meeting in Spanier Library - Dinner in Cook & Kitchen Dining Hall - Band Concert in Caskey Auditorium
Massanutten Military
Academy
Class of 2016
Corps of cadets honoring seniors in front of the
library.
Rick Ruhlin ‘69 fixing the basketball nets in the
North Lower Parking lot Founder’s Day morning.
The nets were donated at Homecoming last year.
Thank you Mr. Ruhlin for your donation !
Thank You!
Sports
Both baseball and softball teams played Maryland School for the Deaf on Founder’s Day Weekend. Cadets and parents were able to attend and cheer
on both teams.
The Performance
“Star Spangled Banner”
“Blue Bells of Scotland”& “O, Shenandoah”
“Competition Corps Selection”
“Cadence” & “Scotland the Brave”
“Hollywood Medley”
“Adventure of a Lifetime”
Rock Medley
“Army Song” & “Alma Mater”
The Performers
DRUM MAJOR: ZI JING LIU
BAGPIPES: SNARE DRUM: YU AN CHEN BERYL BUSHAYIJA CAROLINE CHURCH SAVANNAH DEBLIECK TYLER DRADDY YILIN DU JACOBB FRANCISCO HUANG, YUNZHONG YUXUAN HUANG JENNIFER JUDD CAMERON JOHNSON BIJAN MANSOURI JUNZHOU LIN ADAM PFORR MING CHUAN SHI CURTIS SIMPSON SHIJIE ZHANG BARBARA STOVALL SHEN ZHOU THANH VU KAN ZHANG
BASS DRUM: TENOR DRUM:
KIMAYA KELLY BAISHENG HE SOPHIA STOKES LIANXIANG WANG DESHENG ZHANG CHUANCHINGYAN XIN
GUITAR BRETT DICK
The final event on Founder’s Day weekend was the Spring Music
Recital. The entertainment began with the Star Spangled Banner and
ended with our Alma Mater.
Special thanks to all those who made the concert possible and to
the performers who put the perfect final touch on such an
important weekend.
Spring Music Recital
Parents and teachers gathered under the leadership of Mrs. Kim Post, Dean of Academics and LTC Lester Layman, Commandant of
Cadets for the PAC. Topics of discussion included communication, sports, cadet life, rules and recognition, grades, and discipline. All concerns and comments were addressed. Thank you to all parents
that were able to attend your input was very much appreciated.
Parent Advisory Council Meeting (PAC)
Alumni Council Meeting
Please remember: Changes to Alumni Council Bylaws must be submitted in Writing to the school at least two weeks prior to an Alumni Council meeting. Names and biographical information of candidate for nomination to the Massanutten Hall of Fame must be submitted to the Alumni Legacy Committee by March 1st of each year.
Meeting was held on April 9, 2016
Proposed Changes to the Alumni Council Rules The following amendments to the Alumni Council Rules of Governance have been
put forth to be voted on at the April 9, 2016 meeting:
1. To add a Section 14, a, xiii (Hall of Fame), pg. 5. To allow: “For Alumni Council members to vote for as many of the nominees as they chose.”0 2. To Add to a Section 3, d (The Alumni Council), pg. 1. To add: “Members-At-Large to the Alumni Council showing them the same rights as Standing Committee Members.”
Actions Vote on Hall of Fame Nominee (s): Rick Ruhlin was elected and will be inducted at Homecoming. Vote on Suggested Changes to Rules: Proposed change # 1 listed was defeated and Proposed change #2 was withdrawn. Further Business: A special committee to develop a mission statement was created with Reverend Stewart Bair and Mrs. Melody Hutsell appointed to the new committee.
Brunch with Cadets
Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, Bill Magruder
led an inspiring speech
about the importance of
Founder’s Day. 116 years
of excellence has brought
MMA to be one of the few
surviving military schools
because of their devotion
to developing children of
character.
Board of Trustee member, Bob
Miller ‘63 was the Founder’s
Day brunch, key note speaker.
Mr. Miller discussed the making
of a cadet and how there have
been many changes over the
years at Massanutten but the
message and importance of
excellence has never changed.
Board of Trustee Member, Charles
P. Wenk ‘57 was awarded the
Robert Johnston Benchoff Award.
MMA Open House
Captain’s Club
We would be so pleased if you would join the Captain’s Club, a group of elite Alumni who have been so very gracious as to contribute $1000 a year to Massanutten Military Academy. This monetary contribution comes out to a small fee of $83.33 a month.
For your convenience we have provided a form on the back of this brochure with various payment options. If choosing the credit card option the amount of $83.33 will be automatically deducted from your account starting in November. Simply fill out the form and return with your tax deductible donation and become a member of this prestigious club today!
The Captain’s Club is not the only club where you can contribute to MMA. Also available is the 1st Lieutenant’s Club that includes a monthly donation of $41.67. This club is also offered as a monthly credit card deduction for your convenience.
There are several monetary contribution options. Donation club choices include monthly
donations anywhere from $ 1 -$10,000.
We appreciate any and all donations made to the academy.
Club Choices
$1-249 Sergeant's Club
$250-499 2nd Lieutenant's Club
$500-999 1st Lieutenant's Club
$1000-2499 Captain's Club
$2500-4999 Major's Club
$5000-9999 LTC Club
$10,000+ Colonel's Club
Although cash donations are appreciated there are other creative and flexible ways to donate that can benefit you and MMA known as planned giving. Some planned giving options include:
Estate Gifts
Gift Annuities
Gifts of Cash
Gifts of Stock
Gifts of Life Insurance
For more information on how these gifts may work for you, please contact:
Check the box on the contribution form
to receive more information on wills,
trusts, and other planned giving options.
Contribution Form
Name: _________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________
City/State/Zip: ___________________________________
Phone: _________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________
Payment Options:
Check Enclosed
Credit Card - Visa/MasterCard/American Express
Card Number:________________________ Expiration Date___________________
Security Code:_____ Signature_________________________________
Contribution Options:
_____Captain’s Club ($83.33 a month)
_____1st Lieutenant’s Club ($41.67 a month)
_____Other Club__________ Monthly Amount
_____One time donation _________ Amount
Please send me more information about wills, trusts, and other planned giving options.
Planned Giving Options
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