Hargrave Connected

July 14, 2023

News & Updates from the Hargrave Community

From the Athletics Director

Our athletes have settled into their second sports session as we round up our final two weeks of Summer School. There are a substantial number of athletes participating in the Leadership Challenge that the Military Department runs during sports time. In addition, football and tennis have seen an increase in numbers; the more dedicated and selective set of athletes have stuck with golf, swimming, and weight lifting.

At the end of this second session (and Summer School), there will be an Awards Ceremony. There will be an award for one athlete for every sport. The coaches of that sport will present that award to the receiving athlete on Saturday, July 22nd (more details to follow from the Summer School Director).

Thank you again for allowing Hargrave the opportunity to work with your son. It continues to be an absolute pleasure, and myself and my team look forward to seeing you all on the 22nd!

“What is your greatest achievement so far this Summer?”

Jack Pittman – 11th grade

“Being in charge and being a leader.”

Jayden Assam – 8th grade

“Being squad leader for my platoon.”

Josh Li – 8th grade

“Making new friends.”

Eli Inman – 9th grade

“Being 1st Sergeant.”

Faculty Spotlight

Hargrave welcomes 1SG Eric Samuels as the new Director of the Center for Leadership and Ethics. Samuels, who has been with Hargrave for ten years, has worked diligently this summer to prepare the leadership center and organize trips for the cadets. Starting as a night TAC, Samuels worked his way up to become the Bravo Company TAC, Operations Chief, and Deputy Commandant. Currently serving as the Summer School Commandant, he will assume his new role in the fall. The Leadership and Ethics program aims to provide leadership training to all cadets in grades 9-12. The Summer Program Leadership Challenge serves as an introduction to leadership. During the academic year, 9th graders will receive an introductory course on Leadership and Ethics, while older cadets will participate in more advanced leadership classes. 

Of the new position, Samuels stated, “I’m excited to be the new Leadership Director, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Staff Spotlight

Ben Wall, Hargrave class of ’92, has been part of the Hargrave family for nine years. During his time here, he has taken on various roles including Alumni Director, Annual Fund Director, Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach, and most recently, Director of Client Engagement in the Admissions Office.

Ben has high hopes for the upcoming school year. “I am very enthusiastic about where we’re headed in admissions because we continue to see a great need for schools like Hargrave. Parents and boys want more for themselves. They see all the opportunities that Hargrave offers and we’re continuing to see a strong interest in our program. Most families that I talk to are mostly interested in Hargrave’s structure, smaller class size, and building their son’s leadership skills. We have set ourselves apart form the other military boarding schools. Personally I’ve never felt a greater calling. The longer I’m at Hargrave, the more I feel that this is my chance to give back to the school that gave so much to me.”

Hometown Heroes

Hargrave President, Eric Peterson, delivered opening remarks at the Chatham Rotary annual Field of Honor on Saturday, July 1. The theme of this year’s field is “Hometown Heroes.” In his speech, Peterson stated, “The Fourth of July is a singularly American holiday, and in many ways it celebrates the grandest figures and most important elements of American history. The American Revolution marks a watershed moment, not just in American history, but in world history, and while the rebellion was arguably already underway by July 4, 1776, history and the world were changed forever when 56 men in Philadelphia pledged “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor” to the cause of American independence.” He spoke of his father as his hero, “who grew up in rural Vermont, in country much like Chatham, a farm boy on a dairy farm, whose first job at age five was moving the cows to and from their pasture. He was the first person in his family to attend college and was able to afford the tuition only by earning an ROTC scholarship and through the support of a local church.”

“It is these personal heroes that are honored with the flags flying in the Field of Honor. Chatham is a place where the heroes of the past are honored, and where heroes walk among us.”

Dogs & Donuts

Last week, the Summer Program students and faculty had the opportunity to decompress during Dogs and Donuts. Hargrave would like to express our gratitude to our school counselor and the community partners who made this experience possible.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, July 22 – 11:30 – 1:00 – Parent Reception @ Baker House

Saturday, July 22 – 1:30 – 2:00 – Summer Program Awards @ Cheatham Chapel

Stay In Touch

Download our Hargrave Military Academy App and don’t forget to sign up to receive your son’s photos on Waldo!