Archives Spring 2008

Class of 2008 Graduates

Fuqua School held the school’s fifteenth commencement Friday evening, May 23 at 6 o’clock on the front lawn of the upper school campus.   James “Jim” Marvin Helms, III, a 1970 graduate of Prince Edward Academy, and current president and co-owner of Telecom Management Group, a Richmond based telecommunications-consulting firm with clients in twenty-five states and four international countries, was the commencement speaker.  Student speakers included: Chelsea Rose DeTorres, valedictorian; Mary Leland Mackey Potts, salutatorian; Kirsten Renee Arritt, giftorian; and Matthew William Spencer, class president.

All forty graduates from the Class of 2008 plan to attend college or university. Collectively, the graduates have been offered over 2.9 million dollars in scholarships.

Fuqua School Charters Cum Laude Society Chapter

On May 8, the Fuqua School Chapter of the Cum Laude Society received its official charter, and its first inductees were installed.  The Cum Laude Society, founded in 1906, recognizing the top twenty percent of each senior class based on grade point average, is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools.  The founders of the Society modeled Cum Laude after Phi Beta Kappa, and in the years since its founding, Cum Laude has grown to 350 chapters, approximately two dozen of which are located in public school systems and the rest in independent schools.  Membership in the Cum Laude Society is predominately in the United States and Canada, but chapters are also located in Europe and Asia.   The presence of a Cum Laude chapter at a secondary school is an indication that superior scholastic achievement is honored. Some 4,000 new student members are inducted annually worldwide.  Eight members of the Fuqua School Class of 2008 were inducted. 

Ms. Jean Brune, the Cum Laude District IV Regent for Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Canada, England, France, Spain, and the Philippines, was in attendance to present Fuqua School President Ruth S.  Murphy with the School’s Cum Laude Charter.  In recognizing this high honor, Ms. Brune stated, “Out of four schools from my region which applied, only Fuqua School was admitted to the Cum Laude Society.”  In addition, Ms. Brune recognized twelve Charter Members of the Fuqua Cum Laude Chapter, which include representatives from the School’s administration, faculty, board of directors, and alumni.

Mr. Caleb Varner, a 1998 graduate of Fuqua School and 2002 alumnus of Hampden-Sydney College was the guest speaker following the charter installation.  Varner, who has returned home to the United States following service in the Peace Corps, where he worked exclusively in Latin America, was recently selected as a Keller Scholar at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.  He spoke to students in grades nine through twelve about the importance of achieving success through hard work.  Varner focused on the truth that successes which have merit, value, or significance can only be achieved with hard work.  “The only place success is before work is in the dictionary,” remarked Varner.  He urged the students to strive in their school work while remembering to give back to their communities through the many opportunities presented by Fuqua School.

Ms. Annie Minix, history instructor and Chapter Secretary, presented the eight seniors elected for membership into the Fuqua School Chapter Cum Laude Society.  Heather Lynn Alderman, Kirsten Renee Arritt, Chelsea Rose DeTorres, Rachel Claire Hemler, Mary Leland Mackey Potts, Brittany Danielle Richardson, Kirsten Nicole Schaubach, and Ryan Blake Sharpe were the first student inductees.  Each inductee received a Cum Laude pin, certificate, and signed their names in the chapter membership book.  Following the ceremony, a reception was held in their honor. Fuqua School's academic honor recognition is comprised of Academic Societies, the Scholars Program, and the newly charted Chapter of the Cum Laude  Society.

Varsity Football Team Members Garnish All State Selections

Pictured are members of the Fuqua School Varsity Football team who were selected to the All State Division III teams for private schools in Virginia.

Pre-K Class Learns the Letter "Y" with the "Y"MCA

Mrs. Tammy Frank’s pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) class at Fuqua School recently completed their studies with the letter “y.”  For a week, representatives from the Southside Virginia YMCA helped teach and inform the class about the different activities and services offered to the community by the local YMCA or the “Y” as it is often called.  Dan Albert, director of the local YMCA, arranged for different staff members to work with the children that culminated with a field trip to the “Y’s” brand new facility located on Commerce Road in Farmville. 

Jim Helms, Class of '71 to speak to Class of 2008

Fuqua School will hold commencement exercises on Friday, May 23 at 6:00 o’clock on the front lawn of the upper school campus.  In the event of inclement weather, commencement will be moved to the J. Barrye Wall, Jr. Memorial Building on the Fuqua School campus. 

Beginning in 2003, Fuqua School began a new tradition of having an outstanding alumnus as the speaker for commencement.  This year's guest speaker will be James “Jim” Marvin Helms, III, president and co-owner of Telecom Management Group, a Richmond based telecommunications-consulting firm with clients in twenty-five states and several international clients from countries that include Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and China. Helms grew up in Farmville.  Currently, he resides in Midlothian with wife, Grace Overton Helms, a 1971 alumna of Prince Edward Academy.

Helms, a 1970 graduate of Prince Edward Academy (PEA), was equally adept in the classroom as he was on the basketball court.  Throughout his high school career, he was a National Honor Society member, class president, member of the forensics and debate teams, Boys State representative, and S.C.A president.  Helms, a four-year starter on the basketball court, earned All-Conference honors three consecutive years, broke scoring records, and was MVP and team captain during his last two seasons for the Wolverines.   His outstanding athletic performance garnished him induction into the Prince Edward Academy/Fuqua School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

In 1974, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Richmond, and a year later he received his Masters of Arts in Public Communications from American University.  Also, that same year, Helms was appointed executive vice-president of Communications Consultants of Virginia, a consulting firm in Richmond, and from 1980-1990, he served as president. 

Since 1975, Helms has worked for his alma mater, the University of Richmond, by serving as an adjunct professor of communications and telecommunications.  He is actively involved with civil groups and has spoken to well-known organizations such as the Virginia Literacy Council, the Virginia Telecommunications Association, and the Southeastern Telecommunications Association.  Helms and his wife, Grace, have two children: Brooks, who resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and James, who lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Fuqua School honor graduates from the Class of 2008 include valedictorian, Chelsea Rose DeTorres, daughter of Ms. Leanne DeTorres of Buckingham; salutatorian Mary Leland Mackey Potts, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Blair Potts of Meherrin; and giftorian Kirsten Renee Arritt, daughter of Mrs. Kim Bass of Appomattox.

All forty of the 2008 candidates for graduation have been accepted by a college or university.  Collectively, the graduates have been offered over 2.8 million dollars in scholarships.

 2008-2009 SCA Officers Inaugurated

Fuqua School students in grades eight through twelve recently participated in electing officers to the Upper School Student Cooperative Association (SCA) for the upcoming 2008-2009 academic year.  The SCA is an organization of students working in collaboration with the administration and faculty to promote the general welfare of Fuqua School.  The organization exists in the lower, middle, and upper schools, and officers are elected annually at each level.  Every student is a member of the SCA.  The Upper School SCA plays a leadership role in school-wide activities and in the development of student-related policies. It is a citizenship-oriented organization which strives to: create mutual respect between the students and the school community; encourage cooperation and sharing of responsibilities among students, teachers, and parents; promote good sportsmanship in every phase of school and community activity; develop students who are worthy citizens of the home, community, nation, and world in which they live; and examine the organization regularly with an open mind and a clear vision toward improving its effectiveness.  The Upper School SCA conducts school assemblies, honors a Class of the Year with Class Competition Games, and coordinates elections held by School organizations and classes in grades 9-12. 

For the 2008-2009 academic year, Nicholas Scott Blessing, a rising senior, will serve as president of the SCA, with rising senior Abby Katherine Glascock as vice-president.  Allison Raye Newman, a rising junior, was elected as treasurer, and Lindsey Rae Johnson, also a rising junior, will serve as secretary.  Mr. J. Shane Newcombe is the sponsor of the Upper School SCA.

Five Rising Seniors Selected for Boys/Girls State

Pictured are William Pfeiffer, John Worley, Nick Blessing, Stacy Bolt, and Colby Cunningham, the five Fuqua School Juniors who have been selected to represent the school at this year's Boys State/Girls State.  Sponsors for the three junior boys attending Boys' State at Liberty University June 15-21 are Fuqua School and the American Legion Post of Cumberland County. Longwood University is the site for Girls' State that same week.  The Longwood/Judith Randolph Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the local American Legion Auxiliary are each sponsoring one of the junior girls. The students were selected for their outstanding scholarship, patriotism, leadership, and character.  The program enhances the participant's knowledge of state and local government and encourages participation in each.

Exchange Student To Be Featured on Taiwanese Television

Fuqua School junior and Taiwanese exchange student Hwa Yen is pictured (far right) during an interview conducted by Jupiter Chiou (far left) and Gloria Chen (center) for The Kids on Earth television series.  The Taipei based Tzu Chi Foundation produces this award-winning show designed for children of all ages in Taiwan.  Tzu Chi, meaning “serving with compassion” in English, was founded in 1966 by Dharma Master Chen Yen to “better social and community services, medical care, education and humanism in Taiwan” and throughout the world.  Today, Tzu Chi has branch offices in forty countries, with the U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles, and has assisted with international relief efforts in sixty-five different countries. 

As a charity based foundation, Tzu Chi focuses on the eight fields of compassion, which include: charity, medicine, education, culture, international relief, bone marrow donation, environmental protection, and community volunteers.  Through the production of their own television series, Tzu Chi aims to document the world’s truths, compassion, and beauty.  Hwa was previously featured on The Kids on Earth show in his native country, and this recent visit by a production team from the show to Farmville and Southside Virginia marks a follow-up on this remarkable young man’s journey.

When asked to comment on the opportunity of being an exchange student in the U.S. in a rural setting and being interviewed for a national television show, Hwa responded, “It will be great for the people and students of Taiwan to learn about my being here.  It will open their minds so that they will realize that life is so much more than just staying at home.  Being here in Farmville is unique.  This opportunity to study and learn in the United States has given me confidence and has taught me a lot.  I like myself more and I am proud to share my culture.  It's good to be different and I continue to learn from this opportunity.  I will cherish these moments which have helped change my values forever.”

Hwa’s daily routine at Fuqua School was captured through video footage and interviews with his teachers and friends. At the conclusion of the interviews, Associate Producer Gloria Chen expressed how proud she was of Hwa and how lucky he is for being able to study in the United States.  She said, “Hwa was already on our show through his involvement in Taiwan and the local community.  He also served as an international volunteer in China.  Through our focus on Hwa, we are showing a different aspect of compassion in the world.  We are proud of him and glad to be here following-up on his achievements that include the major parts of his background and life here.

Hwa will return to Taiwan on May 31.  He is the “host-son” to Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Paterson of Buckingham.

Fuqua Idol 2008

The Fuqua School sophomore class recently held a Fuqua Idol fundraiser in the Gee-Price Activity Center.  Fuqua’s vocal and performing competition is based on the popular FOX television show, American Idol.  Students from grades six through twelve were eligible to enter the first-round of the competition, which took place on Thursday, April 17.    The contestants from Round One included Rebekah England and her singing partner Lauren Doane; a trio consisting of Mary Beth Hemler, Emi Wall, and McKenna Schaubach; a duet by Caroline Wiles and Heather Hicks; and Jacob Epps and Colin Ah; solos were performed by Sarah Cave, Davis Cyrus, Porter Carden, Whitney Southall, and Mariah Alderman.  Mrs. Frances Hazelwood, library/media specialist; Ms. Stephanie Trovato, science and introduction to theatre instructor; and Mrs. Natalie Whitaker, art and theatre instructor, served as judges for the first round of Fuqua Idol.  While the judges tallied their scores and made their decision, former Fuqua Idol winner and senior Tom Noehren performed on guitar and sang several musical selections.  At the close of the evening, only nine advanced to the second and final round, which was held one week later on Thursday, April 24. 

Semi-finalists included partners Rebekah England and Lauren Doane followed by the trio of Mary Beth Hemler, Emi Wall, and McKenna Schaubach; soloists were Sarah Cave, Davis Cyrus, Porter Carden, and Mariah Alderman.  For this final competition Fuqua Idol judges were Mrs. Frances Hazelwood; Mr. Johnny Ellington, director of operations; and Mrs. Faye Green, guidance counselor.  Following performances and while the judges narrowed the finalists to only four contestants, the crowd was entertained with the fancy footwork of sixth grader Dallas Powell and the talents of guitar and voice from Mrs. Brenda Meshejian, math instructor, and husband Wayne Meshejian. 

Sophomore Cory Wingo, emcee of his class’ fundraiser, announced the finalists as Sarah Cave, Mariah Alderman, Rebekah England, and Lauren Doane.  After each of the contestants performed a second time, it was left to the audience to decide the next Fuqua Idol.  Third place and twenty-five dollars was presented to sixth grader Mariah Alderman; fifty dollars and second place went to junior and former Fuqua Idol winner Sarah Cave; and first place along with one hundred dollars was presented to the senior duo of Rebekah England and Lauren Doane. 

Fuqua Idol proved to be a successful evening for the Class of 2010 and was enjoyed by all.  Ms. Diane Stubbins is the sophomore class sponsor. 

Pictured are Fuqua Idol winners and members of the senior class Lauren Doane and Rebekah England.

National Day of Prayer Observed

Fuqua School students join together around the flagpole on Thursday, May 1 in honor of the 57th annual National Day of Prayer.  Members of the Upper School Youth For Christ led the program with scripture, prayer, and the singing of “God Bless America.”  Those gathered prayed for students, school administration, family, community, government officials, the nation, and the world.  The National Day of Prayer is held annually on the first Thursday in May and this year's theme, “Prayer! America's Strength and Shield” is based on Psalm 28:7.  Pictured are members of the student body gathering around the flagpole to pray for the nation.  Mrs. Frances Moore is the sponsor of the Youth for Christ.

Modern Woodmen of America Donate Flag

Fuqua School president Ruth Murphy
is pictured (right) accepting a Virginia State flag
from Fuqua Middle/Upper School Dean Rick Davis (left),
district representative for the Modern Woodmen of America.

2008 Prom King & Queen Crowned

On Saturday, April 26, Fuqua School juniors and seniors, along with their accompanying dates, danced the night away at the prom held in the J. Barrye Wall, Jr. Memorial Building on the school’s campus.  Administrators, teachers, chaperones, parents, and students alike enjoyed the dresses and tuxedos and the magnificent decorations from the theme, “Rendez-vou A Paris.”  Close to eighty juniors and seniors lined up in preparation for the Grand March; Ms. Stephanie Trovato, junior class sponsor welcomed parents and guests, and Mr. Jennings Custis, senior class sponsor personally introduced and honored each junior and senior and his/her date.  At the conclusion of the Grand March, everyone in attendance eagerly awaited the announcing of the 2008 Prom King and Queen.  Spectators gathered closely around the stage to cheer and applaud the newly elected 2008 Prom King, senior Stephen Carter, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Carter of Farmville.  Accompanying him just a few moments later was senior Rachel Hemler, the 2008 Prom Queen.  The couple beautifully posed for photographs shortly after being crowned and promptly kept to the tradition of dancing to the next song with their court quickly following suit. At midnight, the 2008 Fuqua School Prom came to a close, and students along with their dates retired to the Lower School Commons to enjoy the After-Prom Party.

SADD Promotes "Smart Thinking" Year Round

Key life celebrations like prom and graduation are particularly risky times for high school students. At Fuqua School, upper school students, faculty, staff, and administration collaborate during prom week to continually promote awareness about the risks involved with underage drinking and drug use. Posters and signs have been hung throughout the campus to remind students to “think smart.” On Monday, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) sponsored its annual three-screen video presentation “Behind the Faces.”  This year’s film featured a segment on a 17-year-old student who killed two people while he was driving under the influence of alcohol.  Throughout the week, students freely signed a giant pledge banner supporting their promise to “behave responsibly before, during, and after Fuqua’s Prom ...[to] commit ... to an alcohol-and-drug-free prom night because [we] care about [our] fellow students, ... community, and [ourselves].”  Fuqua’s Junior-Senior Prom will be held on Saturday, April 26 in Gilmer Gymnasium beginning at 8:00 P.M.

SADD is a nationally recognized prevention, peer-support and youth leadership program. Its mission is to provide students with the best prevention tools possible to deal with the issues of underage drinking, drug use, impaired driving and other destructive decisions. It has been shown to play a positive role in influencing the choices teens make. It also serves as a drug-free social outlet for students wanting to remain drug- and alcohol-free. Technology/Business Instructor Mrs. Susan Carden is the sponsor of SADD.

Representatives from the junior and senior classes join together, with their SADD sponsor, on the front lawn around the mangled car (courtesy of Mr. Gene Lester of Farmville Towing) to promote positive school-wide thinking for Prom.  The car will serve as a reminder to students to not “wreck their prom experience” and their pledge to stay alcohol-and-drug-free all year long.

Science Instructor's Love for Pens Extends into Shop Class

Fuqua School seniors Matt Spencer and Bradley Ingle are pictured presenting science instructor Mr. Ted Chapman (seated) with one of two hand-made pen display cases.  The end product came about after Mr. Chapman, a pen collector for more than thirty years, decided to pursue his dream of having permanent cases to display his collection of over 300 quality pens. The collection includes all four major types: fountain, ball point, roller ball, and the occasional matching mechanical pencil.  “I don’t know where my love of pens came; I have childhood memories of asking for a pen and pencil set for my birthday.  So perhaps I was born with it.  My love of pens has grown as I’ve gotten older, so I’m still collecting,” explained Chapman.  He is not the usual pen collector since he has little interest in vintage pens; virtually all of the pens in his collection have been bought new.   

Not long after joining the Fuqua School faculty and community in January 2000, Chapman quickly learned of the facilities, high-quality skills, and products of the School's Applied Industrial Technology (AIT) class taught by Mr. Carroll Gillispie.  He later pursued his dream and commissioned the AIT class to design, build, and finish two pen cases for his home.  Many students joined Mr. Gillispie in working on the project.  Each of the completed cabinets boasts seven shelves with each shelf having twenty-one felt-lined inlets to accommodate a total of 147 pens as well as a drawer to house pen refills and other pen-related peripherals.

   
Matt and Bradley both worked on the project and were excited to present the finished cases to Mr. Chapman.  “Now the cases are done, and I have the two most unique and best looking pen cabinets in the USA,"  exclaimed Chapman.   Mr. Chapman is the Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, and Physical Science instructor at Fuqua School.

Fuqua Remembers VA Tech Tragedy One Year Later

On Wednesday, April 16, Fuqua School students in grades six through twelve answered Governor Tim Kaine's call for a Statewide Day of Remembrance to honor those lost one year ago at Virginia Tech.  The student body along with faculty, staff, and administration gathered in a semi-circle beneath the U.S. flag and half-staff Virginia flag at the school's bell tower for a moment of silence.  Student body Vice-President Stephen Carter began the observance with a few remarks before asking all those present to bow their heads for a moment of silence.  Following, Cody Meadows, the Youth for Christ President, rang the bell thirty-two times – once for each victim.  Pictured are members of the Fuqua School community during the noon observation of the one-year anniversary of the Virginia Tech tragedy with the tolling of the school's bell.

Pre-K Celebrates Dr. Seuss' Birthday

Fuqua Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) students are pictured celebrating  Dr. Seuss’ 104th birthday.  Each day of Dr. Seuss’ birthday week was celebrated with a different theme, and the celebration culminated with a birthday party for “The Cat and the Hat,” where the students made and wore red and white hats.  They enjoyed red fish and blue fish made with gelatin, and the class also went to see the movie, Horton Hears A Who. Mrs. Tammy Frank is the Pre-K instructor and Mrs. Jennifer Tyree is the Pre-K teaching assistant. 

PEA Alumna & Agri-Economics Professor Speaks to Agri-Science Class

Dr. Dixie Watts Reaves, a 1982 alumna of Prince Edward Academy, recently was a guest speaker for Mr. Carroll Gillispie's Agri-Science class at Fuqua School.  Dr. Reaves is a professor of Agribusiness Management and Marketing in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech.  She guided the class through a demonstration that showcased the three components of agribusiness: input supply, farm production, and output marketing.  The students worked as a group to create a marketing plan for different conceptual models of agribusiness. In her conclusion about college life and life professions, Dr. Reaves urged the class to “do what you love and love what you do.”

Fuqua FBLA Attends Longwood Regional Conference

Members from the Fuqua School Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) are pictured following their competition at the Longwood Regional Conference on Friday, March 7.

For the 2008-2009 school year, Fuqua School received several high honors as several of its members were elected to regional positions.  Stacy Bolt was elected Regional President; Eliza Dillard, Region Corresponding Secretary; and Rachel Atkinson, Region Parliamentarian.

The Fuqua FBLA received the following individual awards and recognitions:

• The “Entrepreneurship Team” comprised of Eliza Dillard, Winston Hodges, and Clay Johnson placed first.
• Michael Ketchersid and Stuart Carilli received first place for  “Management Information Systems.”
  
• First in “Help Desk” was Stephen Nelson.
• Michael Marquez was awarded second place for “Networking Concepts.”
  
• Second place in “Cyber Security” was Billy Delashmutt.
• Mary Potts received second in “Business Law.”
  
• Third place in “Computer Problem Solving” was Hailey Samford.
  
• For “Marketing,” Vini Bueno placed third.

Representatives from the Fuqua chapter that placed first or second in the different categories will attend the state competition in Reston, Virginia on Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13.  Mrs. Janet Moore is the Fuqua School business instructor and FBLA sponsor. 

Twenty-Five Lower Schoolers Participate in Johns Hokpins Talent Search

Pictured are the twenty-five lower school students that recently participated in the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Search 2007-2008 at the Prometrics Testing Center in Lynchburg, Virginia.    CTY, a world leader in gifted education, conducts national and international talent searches to identify, assess, and recognize outstanding academic talent. Through the Talent Search, high-performing students take a test designed for older students. This above-grade-level testing can reveal more about the academic talents of students who are topping out on grade-level tests.  To qualify, a student must achieve at the 95th percentile or higher on designated sub-tests of nationally recognized achievement tests; attain advanced levels on state tests, designated as scoring in categories such as advanced proficiency, distinguished, honors, or gifted; and demonstrate superior academic performance.  The trip was chaperoned by Ms. Jane Crews, Fuqua Lower School Library/Media Specialist and Guidance Counselor.

Fuqua Eighth Grader State Spelling Champ

Following her victory in the Fuqua School spelling bee on Tuesday, January 22, Torey Jackson, an eighth grader, won the Richmond Times-Dispatch regional spelling bee on Saturday, March 1 held at the Library of Virginia.  Jackson competed for the regional title against thirty-two other competitors from across the state.  During the eighth round of the bee, Jackson correctly spelled N-O-T-O-C-H-O-R-D, a medical term used to describe “the flexible rodlike structure that forms the supporting axis of the body in the lower back.”  After being the only speller out of five, to complete round eight, Jackson moved on to the final level of the contest, the one-person ninth round, correctly spelling C-O-N-T-R-A-P-U-N-T-A-L, a term “pertaining to counterpoint.”  As the winner, Jackson will represent the Richmond region in an all-expense-paid trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 29 - Friday, May 30.  In addition, Jackson is the recipient of a $1,500 scholarship provided by the Richmond Times-Dispatch for her spelling accomplishment.  Torey is the daughter of Ms. Jeanne Lynch and Mr. Ken Jackson of Dillwyn.  Pictured with Fuqua's spelling master are Upper and Middle School Dean Rick Davis and Fuqua English instructor Diane Stubbins.

Benchmark Community Bank Contributes to FalconFest Auction

Pictured on the right is Leanne Emert, vice-president and manager of Benchmark Community Bank, presenting Pam Butler, Director of Development at Fuqua School, with a donation for sponsorship of the Falconfest Auction.  Doors open at 9:00 A.M.; the auction will include a wide variety of items such as rugs, leather and upholstered furniture, small appliances, and much more.  A yard sale, silent auction, and concessions add to a great day of fun as well as good deals for all.  The auction, open to the public, is on Saturday, March 15 at Fuqua School.  For more information please call 392.4131 ext. 235 or visit www.fuquaschool.com.

MS Donates Wii  to Extreme Makeover Home Edition Family

The Fuqua School Middle School is pictured presenting the Lucas boys with a Nintendo Wii gaming console.  The Middle School initiated a fundraising campaign to purchase the gaming system after learning from ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition that one of the Lucas boys, Michael Henry, was a middle school student.  In addition, the Middle School students chose an alternate project to help the Lucas family since there was a minimum age requirement to help at the construction site.

One seventh grader said, “We wanted to help out but you had to be eighteen years old to help build the house.  We weren't old enough, so we chose to raise money and buy a Wii for the Lucas boys.”

Two busloads of students in grades six, seven, and eight unloaded in front of the Lucas family's new home where they were greeted by the two boys and their mother Jean.  All of the Fuqua students and accompanying middle school faculty gathered around to watch as Michael Henry and Joseph Lucas unwrapped their gift boxes.  Michael's box contained the Wii gaming console, and Joseph's box contained games and additional remote control devices.  The Lucas boys were overcome with excitement and could not express their gratitude and thanks enough to Fuqua Middle School.  Middle School seventh graders (center) are pictured presenting the Wii gifts to the Lucas boys as middle school math instructor Mrs. Kim Bass and Mrs. Jean Lucas watch.    

Local Author Visits Readers Club

Mrs. Marge Swayne, author of The Life and Times of Tucker Doyne, recently spoke to the Fuqua School Readers Club.  Mrs. Swayne discussed how she came to write the book and the process of writing and publishing a book.  She told of interviews she conducted and research she did both at The Farmville Herald, where she is employed as the Social & Lifestyles editor, and at local libraries, where she gathered information for the history of the times surrounding Mr. Doyne.  The Readers Club is sponsored by Mrs. Frances Hazelwood, Fuqua School Library/Media Specialist.

Sixth Grade Exploratory Students Learn Hand-Craft Skills

Fuqua School sixth grade students in Mrs. Mary Louise Scott's exploratory class have learned three different hand-crafting skills.  Under the guidance and direction of Mrs. France Hazelwood, Fuqua School Library/Media Specialist, the students spent two weeks learning the process of knitting "fun fur" scarves; each student made his/her own scarf to keep or give away.  During a one-week class, the students learned the art of Iris Paper Folding with each student making a Valentine greeting card for someone special along with several cards and pictures to frame.  During the final week, the students were taught how to make a hand-folded lap blanket, which some planned to give away as gifts, while others planned to keep. They were allowed to choose their own fleece-patterned fabrics for their blankets.  Some of their choices of patterns included cats, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and teddy bears.  Pictured is the exploratory class making greeting cards using the Iris Paper Folding method.

Multimedia Students Help YFC Collect Supplies for Iraqi Children

Representatives from Mrs. Susan Carden's Computer Information Systems, Multimedia, and Keyboarding classes are pictured presenting supplies they collected to Mrs. Frances Moore, sponsor of the Youth for Christ organization.  The YFC, along with the Middle School Student Cooperative Association (SCA) has been collecting school supplies to send to school children in Iraq.  The students in Mrs. Carden's classes eagerly participated in the collection drive, and all together, the classes collected over 450 school items.  The YFC and the Middle School SCA have collected over 650 items in total, which will be furnished to the U.S. Army and Air Force for distribution to Iraqi school children, who lack much needed supplies.

Varsity Cheerleaders are V.C.C. Cheerleading Champs

The 2007-2008 Fuqua School Varsity Cheerleading Squad recently competed in the Virginia Commonwealth Conference (V.C.C.) Cheerleading Competition at Richard Bland College in Petersburg, Virginia and were awarded first place.  Other member schools of the V.C.C. competing in the competition included Isle of Wight Academy, Southampton Academy, and Tidewater Academy.  Each squad performed a three minute routine consisting of a cheer, chant, dance, stunts, and tumbling.  Routines were judged on levels of difficulty, crowd appeal, synchronicity, overall presentation, and technical elements.  Coaches Lalisha Fitchett-Bland and Chelsey Green commented, “We congratulate each of these ladies for their accomplishment, hard work, and dedication!”  Pictured are the Fuqua School Varsity Cheerleading Squad encircling the trophy they won as the 2007-2008 VCC Open Cheerleading Competition First Place Winners.

K/1 Classes Celebrate 100 Days of School

Fuqua School K/1 students celebrated the completion of 100 days of school on Tuesday, January 22.  The “100” themed celebration included collecting more than 100 non-perishable food items for the F.A.C.E.S. food drive coordinated by Fuqua School’s Youth for Christ; participating in a wide variety of activities, such as different ways of counting to and sorting 100; creating necklaces and hats to celebrate the number 100; and making a project with 100 items or pieces that were presented in a “100 Day Museum.”  Mrs. Susan Johnson, Mrs. Tracy Carilli, Mrs. Denise Rogers, and Mrs. Kathy Jefferson’s K/1 classes participated in the day’s events. 

Members of Fuqua School's K/1 classes are pictured following a day-long celebration of the number 100 in honor of 100 days of school and are seen presenting the Upper School Youth for Christ President with some of the 153 food items they helped collect for the food drive.

U.S. Army Medic Andrew Mason Thanks Fuqua School

U.S. Army Specialist (SPC) Andrew Mason visited with Fuqua Upper School students and members of the Youth for Christ (YFC) on Thursday, February 7 in Gilmer Gym.  SPC Mason’s visited was spurred by the recent care packages and letters written by Fuqua School students to servicemen and women currently serving in Iraq.  After receiving only eighteen days of leave from Iraq, SPC Mason returned home and embarked on a quest to “personally thank” those who have supported him.  

SPC Mason explained, “I came home and shared with my family the kind words written in the many letters I received.  With the help of my parents, I set out to personally thank Mrs. Frances Moore and the efforts of the Fuqua School Youth For Christ for the caring and loving support and patriotism they have expressed to me and other soldiers.  I shared the letters and the contents of the care package with my fellow soldiers.  Today, I have expressed my appreciation to Fuqua School and its community, and I continue to ask for everyone to support and pray for our U.S. soldiers.”

On February 19, Mason will return to Base Rustimiyha in Iraq.  Mason is a 2003 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and is a native of Evington, Virginia. Pictured with SPC Mason (far left) are officers of the Youth For Christ organization, Mrs. Frances Moore, sponsor, and Howard Mason, III, older brother who accompanied SPC Mason to Farmville..  

Agri-Science Class Visits Taylor-Forbes Equipment Co.

At Forbes Equipment Company on Wednesday, January 23, the students heard from Mr. Earl Carter, co-owner, about the changes in agri-business both locally and nationally.  He also spoke about agricultural safety issues and the rich history of Taylor-Forbes Equipment Company, which started as a farm equipment business, but over time has progressed into boats and ATV sales.  Pictured with Mr. and Mrs.  Earl Carter (far left) are members of the Fuqua School Agri-Science class. 

Senior Band to Host Basket Bingo

The Fuqua School Senior Band is sponsoring a Basket Bingo evening in the Lower School Commons on Sunday, February 10.  The doors open at 12:30 P.M., and the games begin at 2 P.M. The Basket Bingo event features top quality Longaberger® baskets filled with specialty prizes, a raffle table, door prizes, and a prize-filled balloon arch.  The evening includes twenty games of old-fashioned Bingo with concessions available for purchase.  Proceeds will benefit the Fuqua Senior Band's transportation costs for their spring trip to Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where they will be performing and marching in concert and parade.  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or $25 at the door by calling Sandy Bolick, Fuqua School assistant band director, at 392.4131.   Pictured (kneeling, l-r) are two senior band members and (standing, l-r) Joyce Eggleston, PEA Class of '76 and Sandra Bolick, assistant band director, showcasing the Longaberger® street basket, a raffle item, along with other baskets for the bingo game prizes.

Fuqua English Instructor Gives Lecture on Edgar A. Poe

     “Edgar Allan Poe is dead. He died in Baltimore the day before yesterday. This announcement will startle many, but few will be grieved by it."  These were the beginning words of an obituary written by Rufus Wilmot Griswold, a literary critic and a secret enemy of Poe. Griswold continued to destroy the deceased writer's reputation in a 35-page memoir, which became the only biographical sketch of Poe for almost thirty years. Many of the images and misconceptions that we still have today about the writer came from Griswold.

    On December 18, Martha Womack, teacher of English at Fuqua School for 26 years and a serious Poe scholar of more than 15 years, was invited to speak to the students of Gayle Williams and Crystal Allie at Appomattox County High School. In four 90-minute presentations, Womack attempted to dispel the myths surrounding Poe's life and writings as well as explain Poe's role in international literature then and now. "Poe is truly the only real global author that I know," a fact stated by Womack, which she discovered through her web site, the Poe Decoder, which she owns and operates with three other educators. "I received over 500 emails in our first year of operation (1997), and most of those were not from the United States. It is amazing to me how this one author has touched so many lives and continues to do so."

    Martha Womack's other Poe-related activities include work on a book to introduce the young reader to Poe and the sale of Poe t-shirts. "My son does the artwork; I do the layout; and Pairet's silk-screens the shirts." Womack has shirts in over 40 states and 10 countries with eight different designs, but even that is not enough. "The demand is so great for the shirts," she says that she, along with her son, is working on another design.

    Womack, once again, was a watcher for the mysterious stranger who placed the cognac and roses on Poe's grave in the early morning hours of his birthday on January 19. She also attended the largest birthday celebration of the author, a two-day event in Baltimore on the weekend of January 19 and 20. "By trying to set the record straight for Poe, he has and continues to open many doors for me. I now know people and educators all over the world,” stated Womack. 

History Class Tours Monticello

Seventeen students from Mr. Jennings Custis’ U.S. History class recently visited and toured Monticello, the home of the third President of the United States Thomas Jefferson, and Ash Lawn – Highland, the home of James Monroe, the fifth U.S. President.  Pictured in front of Monticello are members of the history class along with chaperones Mr. Jennings Custis, history instructor, and Mr. Shane Newcombe, Spanish instructor.

K/1 Class Wins Sweepstakes to Donate 1,000 Books to Local Charities

Mrs. Kathy Jefferson and her K/1 class at Fuqua School won the "Whoopi!  We’re Reading!"  Sweepstakes, a national sweepstakes sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs, and will soon be donating their prize-1,000 books from Scholastic to local charities selected by the class.  The prizewinners were participants in Scholastic Book Clubs ClassroomsCare program, a philanthropic literacy initiative that encourages reading with the promise that for every 100 books read by students across the country, 100 books will be donated to children in need.  Mrs. Jefferson’s class was one of only 100 across the nation to win the prize out of more than 17,000 classes that entered the sweepstakes. 

In October, Whoopi Goldberg, the actress, comedienne, author of Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners and producer and host of the syndicated Wake Up with Whoopi! radio program invited classrooms from across the country to join ClassroomsCare and read 100 books for a chance to win 1,000 books for them to donate to local charities of their choice. 

ClassroomsCare is designed to empower students around the country to make a difference in the world.  The program distributes more than 1 million books each year.  This year, with the addition of 100,000 books being donated to countless organizations through the winners of the "Whoopi! We’re Reading! Sweepstakes," ClassroomsCare is extending its reach even further.

“My students and I were so excited when we found out we won this sweepstakes!” said Mrs. Jefferson, K/1 class instructor.  “We love ClassroomsCare, and it's even better that we are able to donate books that we won to local charities.  My students have been reading a lot this year, and now they're learning how special it is to give, especially to those less fortunate.”

The ClassroomsCare initiative is open to all classrooms nationwide through Scholastic Book Club catalogues and the Scholastic website.  Teachers, along with their students, can log on to Scholastic.com  to track their reading progress online, learn more about the four organizations working with Scholastic Book Clubs to improve literacy, and download a Certificate of Congratulations.

More than 750,000 classrooms nationwide have participated in ClassroomsCare since its inception in 2002, and more than 7 million books have been donated by Scholastic Book Clubs as part of the program.  In addition to encouraging increased reading in the classroom, the program has helped respond to tragedies and natural disasters such as the tsunami in Indonesia and Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast.

Members of Mrs. Kathy Jefferson’s K/1 class at Fuqua School are pictured with the 1,000 books they will donate to local charities. The class was 1 out of 17,000 from across the nation to be selected as the recipients from the sweepstakes sponsored by Scholastic Books.  Mrs. Sheila Seagle is the teacher’s assistant.

Fuqua Eight Graders Conduct Experiments

Fuqua School eighth grade science students recently learned about the physical properties of the transferring of heat via convection, conduction, and radiation.  Students participated in experiments involving implosion and condensation.  Ms. Tamara Arrington, a naturalist working at the 4-H Center at Holiday Lake State Park, led the class in their experiments as well as helped them learn more about the main topic discussed - meteorology.  Pictured is an eighth grade student conducting the implosion experiment with the assistance of Ms. Arrington.  Mrs. Jodi Maxey is the Fuqua Middle School Science Instructor.

History Class Takes Colonial Tour

Twenty-five students from Mr. Jennings Custis’ A.P. History class at Fuqua School recently toured Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg.  Their tour started with the founding of Virginia at Jamestown and then moved on to Williamsburg, the second capital of Virginia, where they studied eighteenth century and colonial life.  Chaperones included Mr. Jennings Custis, history, government, and Latin teacher and Mrs. Sandra Bolick, band assistant.  Pictured are members of the history class in front of the Governor’s Palace.

Fuqua School Tours NYC

Forty-four members of the Fuqua School community visited New York City prior to the Christmas holiday.  The four day trip provided the travelers an opportunity to visit Ground Zero, the Statute of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, the United Nations Building, the Today Show, watch The Christmas Spectacular performance by the Rockettes, and attend two Broadway plays: Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King.  A portion of the educational trip included touring the American Natural History Museum, Battery and Central Park, and shopping along Fifth Avenue and Times Square. 

Chaperones for the trip, in addition to several parents, were Mr. Jennings Custis, history instructor and Assistant Athletics Director, Mrs. Sandra Bolick, Band Assistant, and Mr. Shane Newcombe, Spanish instructor and Communications Director.  The Fuqua School tour group is pictured in front of the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

UDC Essay Contest Winners

The Farmville United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) recently recognized several students from Fuqua School as the 2007 UDC state essay contest winners.  Elizabeth Redford, a sixth grader, received first place in state in grades 4-6 for the topic, “The Childhood of Robert E. Lee.” In the same category, fifth grader Anna Morrow placed second, and there was a tie for third place between sixth grader Peyton Wall and fifth grader,Buck Wellman.  For grades 7-9, two ninth graders and one eighth grader received recognition and awards for writing on the topic, “Robert E. Lee in the U.S. Army.” Former Fuqua student, Heather Fowler placed first in the state; Fuqua freshman Maggie Morris placed second; third place was awarded to Fuqua eighth grader Kyle Hodges.

Two Fuqua Students Model for Prom Preview Fashion Show

Two Fuqua School students recently participated in a photo shoot sponsored by ABC Channel 13 WSET-TV to promote the 2008 Formal Guide and the Prom Preview Fashion Show to be held in the Roanoke Civic Center on Saturday, January 19.  The show will be televised on Saturday, January 26 on ABC Channel 13.  The dresses and tuxedos modeled by the students were coordinated with Caryn's Bridals, Formals, and Tuxedos of Farmville.  Caryn's will also provide the tuxedos and gowns for fifteen local sophomore, junior, and senior models from surrounding counties for the 2008 Prom Preview Fashion Show.

Junior Class to Host Bunco Night

The Fuqua School class of 2009 is sponsoring a “Bunco” night in the Lower School Commons on Saturday, January 26 at 6:00 P.M.  “Bunco” is a fast paced dice game that is fun for all ages.  Players switch seats and playing partners throughout the game to gain as many points as possible.   Many different prizes, which include such items as gift-cards and games, will be awarded to the winners of the “Bunco” games.  A raffle table with a variety of items will be featured.  Light refreshments will be available for purchase.  The event is open to the public and a limited number of tickets are on sale for only $10 per player.  The proceeds will benefit the Prom Committee for the Class of 2009.  Please call Stephanie Trovato, junior class sponsor for more information or to reserve your seat at 392.4131 ext. 283.  Pictured are members of the Fuqua School community enjoying a round of “Bunco."