Randolph-Macon Academy Celebrates Homecoming 2023

This past weekend, Randolph-Macon Academy celebrated Homecoming & Reunions 2023! We had one of the most exciting Homecoming experiences in several years as the Yellow Jacket football team defeated Girard College Prep High School 20-6 on our home field. The team gave the game ball to Head Coach LaCombe. GO JACKETS!

The weekend included multiple alumni events, including a dinner on Friday night at our local Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. Alumni and families also received a warm welcome to the area from local Front Royal businesses, including R-MA alumni co-owned Melania’s Gourmet who created a custom Yellow Jacket tart to celebrate the weekend. The R-MA family-owned Element Restaurant also whipped up a delicious dessert again this year, The Hive!  Special thanks to Lizi Lewis who changed the Main Street pole lights to yellow in honor of R-MA’s school colors!

The Parents Association hosted an auction for families that included several items that were donated by local Front Royal businesses. Our Main Street basket included goodies from Dusty’s Country Store, White Picket Fence, Ole Timers Antique, Ottwork Greeting Cards, Vibrissa, and the Town of Front Royal!  The Apple House, a much-appreciated annual supporter of R-MA and Homecoming, supported the events in multiple ways this year, including donating a gift basket for auction, decorating campus, sponsoring wine at the alumni dinner, and crafting gorgeous flower centerpieces complete with bees & hives!

The weekend summary is not complete without mentioning the outstanding parade performance on Saturday. Cadets marched beautifully while the band played, the flag corps (Middle School students) presented international flags with honor, the Color Guard was sharp, and our rifle team shared a gun salute in perfect timing. This year’s Homecoming flag was presented to Mr. Jonathan Ezell in honor of his many years of service to R-MA as an esteemed member of the faculty, principal of the Middle School, Upper School Academic Dean, Interim President, and Vice President of the Academy. Mr. Ezell retired from R-MA in 2019. Joining him to receive the flag was his grandson, Beowulf. Special thanks to Front Royal Mayor Lori A. Cockrell (proud aunt of current R-MA cadets Clayton and Madagan Athey ’24) and Vice Mayor Wayne Sealock ’73 for attending the parade and cheering on R-MA Yellow Jackets during the football game!

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One final shining moment of Homecoming was the pinning of the BOOMER’S RUN streamer by General Wesley onto the Delta company flag led by the Company Commander, C/Capt Maddox Norris ’24. At the beginning of the school year, the companies (teams of students) compete in an exciting event called Boomer’s Run in honor of General Walt Boomer ’56, USMC, Retired. This competition focuses on teamwork, communication, and fitness. During the course, the companies must overcome 8 challenges by applying a variety of tactical skills, including strength, logic, and grit. General Boomer is one of the Academy’s most distinguished alumni and served with honor for many years, including as the Commanding General, US Marines Central Command and I Marine Expeditionary Force during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Fun fact: Delta Company won Boomer’s Run this year. C/Capt Maddox Norris ’24, Delta Company Commander is the grandson of General Walt Boomer ’56, USMC, Retired!

Learn more about Randolph-Macon Academy: www.rma.edu