Founders’ Day is a special part of Hargrave’s legacy, a time to honor our roots and reflect on how far we’ve come. Hargrave means something unique to everyone—parents, cadets, alumni, staff, faculty, and our community—and this day is a chance for all of us to connect with the past, present, and future of the Academy. We aim to instill a sense of pride, connection, and respect in our current Corps of Cadets so they understand just how meaningful their relationship with Hargrave will be for the rest of their lives.
In honor of our founding, Hargrave’s ninth President, Col. Wheeler L. Baker, designated September 9th as “Founders’ Day” and encouraged the entire Hargrave family—students, staff, alumni, and friends alike—to celebrate our rich history.
This year, the Cadets took charge of planning and celebrating Founders’ Day on September 4th, 2024. Faculty and staff were there to watch as the Cadets competed in a variety of events that tested both their strength and endurance. The day kicked off just before lunch with a time-honored tradition: the youngest and oldest Cadets joined the President in cutting the Founders’ Day cake. After lunch, the Cadets marched down Company Street to Jefferson-Watson Field, where they raced against the clock on the obstacle course, flipped tires in a driving range challenge, and faced off in an exciting tug-of-war tournament.
Ultimately, it was a close competition, but Delta Company came out on top, earning the Founders’ Day streamer as this year’s overall winner.
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.”