Big year for R-MA: record fundraising and in-classroom studies during pandemic year – with a campus graduation promised

Adding to what he earlier called “a unique Academy year”, Brig. Gen. David C. Wesley, USAF (retired), on Friday, April 23, announced the results of the academy’s third annual “Giving Day” – a record-breaking total exceeding $200,000. Wesley earlier announced another what he called “unique success” for the Front Royal school: Amid a global pandemic it promises an on-campus, in-person graduation ceremony next month for all its senior class students.

Wesley said in an email last week: “We have followed strict distancing, testing and cleaning protocols, not only to keep our (school) safe and healthy but to give the Class of 2021 what they’ve been working towards for years – an on-campus, in-person graduation.”

Two days later, an elated Wesley announced: “Yesterday was R-MA’s third ‘Giving Day’ celebration, and it broke all records in every category,” he said of total donations to the private school, founded in 1852.

He said 245 donors from 29 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as from Italy, Mexico, and the Netherlands, made gifts totaling $69,240. This, added to an additional $50,000 already in hand, and $80,825 in new pledges, produced a grand total of $200,655 – and counting!

Locally, R-MA’s Parents’ Association organized two competitions between classes, contributing almost $10,000 toward this year’s fundraising effort.