A Modern College Counseling Program

The Hargrave College Counseling program, led by Krista Montesano Peterson,  is a critical component in fulfilling our mission to build young men into a leader of character prepared for lifelong success. This year, our program has introduced College Planner Pro (CPP), which streamlines the college selection process. CPP places a major emphasis on the direct … Read more

Hargrave Fencing Goes Undefeated at First Tournament

This past Saturday, members of the Hargrave fencing program attended our first-ever competition.  They had a great time, made some connections with other fencers, and, most impressively, won first place and went undefeated against four other schools! This was an incredible accomplishment for them.  All three Hargrave competitors are new to foil fencing and only met one hour twice a … Read more

Founder’s Day

YouTube video

In the late nineteenth century, leaders of the Roanoke Baptist Association envisioned the establishment of a Baptist school to educate the youth of Pittsylvania County.

Two visionary Chatham businessmen, Jesse H. Hargrave and his son, John Hunt Hargrave, put flesh to the dream, purchased 36 acres of land as well as a house and joined with the Reverend T. Ryland Sanford, Pastor of Chatham Baptist Church, to establish Chatham Training School in September 1909.  The school opened with 17 boarding students and 18 day students under the direction of Headmaster Charles Warren.
 
On July 18, 1911, Chatham Training School was granted its formal charter by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Reverend Sanford was elected as the school’s first president.  In 1918, he was succeeded by Aubrey  H. Camden, the Dean of Students.    In response to the nation’s participation in the First World War and the appeals of both parents and students, military training was approved as an integral part of Hargrave’s curriculum.

Chatham Training School was renamed Hargrave Military Academy in 1925 to honor John Hunt Hargrave whose sustaining interest, devout faith, and collateral security contributed greatly to the realization of the Roanoke Baptist Association’s dream of providing local youth a quality education.

In the fitting words of President Camden, “Divine in precept, militant in name, gallant in spirit, rich in knowledge, Hargrave Military Academy manned with virtuous workers and entrusted with the men of tomorrow, stands to inspire its alumni and to be honorable unto God.”

Therefore, the Ninth President of Hargrave Military Academy (Col Wheeler L. Baker) designated September 9th as “Founder’s Day” and directed that this message be communicated to Hargrave students, teachers, staff, alumni, and alumnae, wherever they may be gathered, to remember and to celebrate Hargrave Military Academy’s rich and illustrious history.

Cadets on inflatable game

Winter Fun Day

Last Wednesday, cadets were treated to a morning of relaxation and entertainment in the gymnasium to break the winter doldrums. Starting off the morning and possibly the highlight of hilarity for the day, was a failed attempt by Cadet Higden to pie Colonel Morris. Cadets enjoyed various inflatable stations including a life-sized hungry hippos game, … Read more

Current Events Club: State of the Union

The Current Events Club, which is dedicated to fostering open dialogue about what is going on in the news, recently hosted students for the State of the Union address. Club members participate in informal debates about current issues and watch documentary films. The club is open to all cadets and provides an opportunity for greater awareness … Read more

Cadets and chaperone at dinner

Chinese New Year & State Capitol Tour

To celebrate Chinese New Year, the HMA international students group traveled to Richmond for an fun and eventful outing. Cadets spent the morning at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Virginia Fine Arts Museum. Cadets were particularly enthusiastic about seeing the colonial weapons display and learning about dueling through the Alexander Hamilton … Read more

Founders’ Day Celebration

On Saturday, September 7, Hargrave Military Academy celebrated the 110th anniversary of the founding of our great institution. By company, cadets competed in several events, such as obstacle course, dizzy bat races, tug-of-war competitions, and humorous skits about the founding of Hargrave. After working up a ferocious appetite, our cadets enjoyed a massive barbecue put … Read more

2019 Weekend of Service

Each fall, dedicated alumni, families, and friends come to campus for a Weekend of Service. This annual volunteer event gives opportunity to serve alongside cadets, faculty, and staff in campus beautification projects. Alumni and friends who participate in this weekend, both through hands-on service or monetary gifts to support the expenses, often share that Hargrave … Read more

Honors Dinner, Swearing-In of Honors Council members

2019 Honor Dinner

This year’s Honor Dinner was held on August 31st. Colonel Brown opened the night with an excellent speech on honor and integrity. During the speech, Colonel Brown explained the HMA Honor System and espoused the value of the HMA Honor Code. He reminded the cadets that this pledge will carry them forward in all future … Read more

2019 Opening Convocation

Hail! To Old Hargrave!

On the morning of August 29th, our cadets assembled in the Owen R. Cheatham Chapel for the 2019 Opening Convocation of Hargrave Military Academy. The service was led by Col. Brown, Dr. Tung, and our new Chaplain, Adam Felty. Highlights of the ceremony included an energizing speech given by Lt. Col. Morris and a solemn … Read more

International students visit D-Day Memorial

National D-Day Memorial Visit

The international students of Hargrave journeyed to Bedford, Virginia, to visit the National D-Day Memorial. The memorial was dedicated in 2001, by President George W. Bush, to one of the most significant battles in American history. On the tour, our cadets contemplated the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of young men sent into battle, and the … Read more

Leadership Testing and Evaluation

2019 Leadership Academy

Cadets participated in a week-long training designed to test and evaluate their leadership abilities and determine eligibility for key cadet leadership positions for the upcoming year. The evaluations consisted of several graded events: physical fitness tests, barracks, and personnel inspections, drill and ceremony evaluations, and a comprehensive final exam. Cadets also received graded peer and … Read more

MRE Review

Our Summer Cadets reviewed a Shredded Beef Barbecue MRE Meal. This is a Cadet production.

Alumni Inspection Winners

During Homecoming, one of the highlights for the alumni (and most of the Cadets) is a formal room inspection. This not only allows the alumni to see their old room and reminisce, but also gives our Cadets a chance to show off their military academy skills, compete against each other and to make connections with … Read more

Yearbook Dedication

The 2019 yearbook dedication ceremony took place after Chapel on Tuesday. This year had several recipients – the Hargrave Maintenance Department. Our Cadets appreciate the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of our maintenance and housekeeping crew. We thank you for everything you do for us and sacrifice in your own lives to be here whenever … Read more

Cadets get PADI Certified for SCUBA

After working for months to learn the ins and outs of SCUBA diving in the classroom and in our pool, Cadets completed four dives in a nearby quarry and are now PADI certified. They went down as far as 60 feet into the cold water. SCUBA instruction was provided by Black Pearl SCUBA of Lynchburg. … Read more

Meritorious Performers attend Air Show

Our Meritorious Performers were able to attend the Wings Over Wayne Air Show at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. LtCol Morris was the chaperone and our Cadets joined in with a men’s group from a local church to have breakfast and convoy down to the show. The highlight for many was … Read more

Donated Drums Delivered in Danville

The Hargrave Drummers made the news this past week by donating some of their older drums to a local middle school. Earlier this year, Bonner Middle School started a program of math tutoring and music for their students and recently made an appeal to the community for drums. MSgt Tyler Selden and our Cadets answered … Read more

Sophomore Challenge

Coach Eberly and Coach Broomell took the Entire Sophomore Class to the Sandy River Adventure Resort for the Annual Sophomore Challenge. It was a fantastic day of Team building, obstacle challenges and high ropes course and zip line fun. I have been in the adventure world for a long time and I haven’t seen anything … Read more

Junior Retreat – Sunday

Sunday morning the juniors received a junior retreat ribbon to wear on their uniform blouse as well as a bracelet to remind them of this special weekend. They all signed a flag that will hang for the rest of this year and next year. I want to thank you all for sending in the information … Read more