The Warrior 


       Alumni Newsletter of Tidewater Academy 
Issue: # 1    
February/2012
In This Issue
Reunited TA Sweethearts
Class Notes
Where Are They Now? Alumni Interview
TA- Accomplishing Great Things

 















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Greetings!

Welcome to The Warrior, the alumni e-newsletter of Tidewater Academy!  Please look forward to receiving a new e-newsletter every three months.  The next issue will be sent in May.  Above all else, I hope that you find each newsletter interesting and fun to read.  My goal is to provide articles that tell the "stories" of our fellow alumni, showcase wonderful news about TA, and provide you with avenues to stay connected.

I have spent the better part of this school year requesting, searching for, and updating contact information for TA's alumni.  It has been quite an undertaking, and continues to be a work in progress.  Our goal is to communicate with alumni electronically as much as is possible and appropriate, so please keep me updated with your current email addresses. 

As your Alumni Coordinator for Tidewater Academy, please let me know if I can be of assistance to you in any way.  In closing, I would like to pay tribute to Suzanne Renney, Director of Development, who enthusiastically served as TA's Alumni Coordinator for many years.  Her tireless dedication has been a positive force in the advancement of Tidewater Academy's alumni program. She has been a source of great support for me, and I very much appreciate her efforts.    
 
                                                              Lynn Babish
                                                              Alumni Coordinator
 
2005 Alumni Newsletter Re-Unites TA High School Sweethearts

David Tudor
Never underestimate the power of an alumni newsletter.  Life took an interesting turn for David Tudor and Arlene Goodrich Pancione back in 2005 when David received his TA alumni newsletter. 

David had met Arlene at Tidewater Academy in the tenth grade.  They became high school sweethearts, and shortly after graduating from Tidewater Academy in 1968 they became
 engaged to be married.  David then joined the United States Air Force and had a two year stint in Southeast Asia. Upon
Arlene Goodrich Pancione
returning home, David and Arlene were married.  But after four years of marriage, their union ended in a friendly divorce. 

David and Arlene went their separate ways, married again, and raised families.  Life intervened and David and Arlene completely lost track of each other for thirty-three years.  During that time, Arlene had lost her husband and David's marriage had ended in divorce. 

Then one day in 2005, David began reading an alumni newsletter he had received from Tidewater Academy.  That newsletter relayed the death of Arlene's mother Virginia Goodrich.  David wanted to offer his condolences to Arlene.  Using the information in the newsletter, David was able to find Arlene in New Jersey and called her.  That one call led to many other calls and emails. 

After thirty-three years apart, they were destined to meet again.  That day came when Arlene took the train to Richmond to visit her sister.  David was waiting for her at the gate.  They rushed towards each other, embracing in a hug that blocked the exit for the rest of the passengers.  The world had stopped for that moment, and everyone knew it.  It has been six years since that day.  David and Arlene have been together since, cherishing every day.  All due to a notice in the alumni newsletter.  

Class Notes 
Submit a class note to appear in the next issue of The Warrior!  Email [email protected]. 
 
'67
Glenice Boykin Coombs has just celebrated 30 years at the University of Richmond School of Law as the Legal Publication Coordinator for the UR Law Review!  She loves her job. She and her husband Pete have been married for 42 years, and they moved into their current home in Richmond, VA the day Elvis died!  Glenice and Pete have 2 daughters, Sheri and Chris, and three beautiful grandchildren, Gavin (3), Bella (3), and Mia (18 months).  They are the love of her life!

'68
Janet Beale James lives in Richmond, VA and is a realtor for Long & Foster.

Anthony Lowe earned his Masters of Divinity, after working in the field of low income housing for 25 years.  He has been the pastor of Fancy Gap Friends Fellowship (Quaker) in Fancy Gap, VA since 2004.  Anthony's daughter, Ruth Lowe, was accepted into the graduate school of education at William & Mary College and is working on a Masters Degree in Educational Counseling.  Anthony is active in a number of Quaker organizations and serves on the board of his local Red Cross chapter in Galax, VA.  He also keeps busy as the President of the Carroll County Historical Society.  Anthony lives in Fancy Gap, VA.

'71
Russell Britt has been employed with Murphy-Brown for 16 years and resides in Ivor, VA.

'74
Nan Eggleston Zych lives in Corrales, NM and is a Physician Assistant in spine surgery.  Her oldest son graduated from TCU and works for Lockhead Martin.  Nan's youngest son is currently a junior in college.

Marlon Dance is employed at Dances Sporting Goods, Inc in Colonial Heights, VA.  He resides in Petersburg, VA.

'75
Bill Tudor is the owner of Old Dominion Dog Guard.  He provides invisible fencing for pet containment.  He currently resides in Petersburg, VA.

'77
Alice West Scott is the Owner and President of Ivor Furniture, Co. at the stoplight in Ivor, VA.  She loves her 7 dogs!

Gary Houchins just finished a two-year project, a 1965 Chevelle Malibu. He and his wife, Beth ('79) have so much fun with their car. Gary won "Best in Class" and was a finalist in "Best of the Best"  in Rockingham, NC at the super chevy show. Gary and Beth live in Petersburg, VA.

Richard Andrews, Jr. has lived in the St. Louis area for nine years. Son, Patrick (10), is in the 5th grade and enjoys school, baseball, soccer, and hanging out with his sister and their two dogs.  Daughter, Grace (9), is in the 3rd grade and enjoys school, dance, art, drama, and soccer. 

'78
Keith Martin and his wife Tammy have been married for 27 years.  They have two sons, Bryon, Jr. (22) and Robert (20).  Keith resides in Wakefield, VA and has worked for Dominion at the Surry Nuclear Power Station as an Electrician for 30 years.

'79
Mary Carol Stephenson Wayner and husband David will celebrate 20 years of marriage on May 9, 2012.  Mary Carol worked as a Registered Nurse in the emergency room at Southside Regional Medical Center for 25 years.  She and David reside in Petersburg, VA.

'80
Sharon Huber Atkins just celebrated 25 years of service at Altria, Inc. in Richmond, VA.  She works in Altria's Information Services Department. Sharon and husband Donald ('80) live in Disputanta, VA.

Patricia Huber Warriner has been an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay for 5 years.  She resides in Prince George, VA.

'81
Jeanne Faison Vann has been working in Dinwiddie County, VA as an RN Supervisor for the Commonwealth of Virginia for 26 years.  She has three children, Brian (23), Donald (17), and Kimberly(14). Jeanne currently resides in Dendron, VA.

'85
Steven Jones has started Moss Side Consulting Forestry LLC after many years working in both State and Industrial Forestry.  Moss Side Consulting Forestry serves private forest landowners in the local area.  With many changes in the timber and forest products industry, landowners need reliable council regarding forest land valuation and objectives.  Please call Steven at (804) 370-2225 or visit www.mosssideforestry.com.  Steven resides in Smithfield, VA.

Angela Barnette Goodwin is the Secondary Principal at Parkway Christian Academy in Roanoke, Virginia, and she loves her job!  She has a daughter (16) and a son (10) who also attend Parkway Christian Academy. Her husband is self-employed, and they both enjoy spending a lot of time with their children.  Angela currently resides in Vinton, Virginia.

Mary Kornwolf Howell manages several statewide trade associations, including propane, auto recyclers, and recreational marine trades.  She has competed in the sport of distance (endurance) riding for twelve years and helped manage the national championship last year.  She and her oldest horse now have over 5,000 competitive miles.  A big achievement!  Mary lives in New Kent, Virginia.

'87
 Muriel Edwards Davis and husband James have been married 21 years.  They live in Dinwiddie County, VA and have two boys, James (15) and John (12). Muriel is a substitute teacher for Dinwiddie County Public Schools.

'90
Jeff Francis has been employed at Murphy Brown, LLC for 20 years, and is currently the Complex Manager for Virginia farms.

'92
Jeanette Lowe Francis has been the Activity Director at Waverly Health & Rehabilitation Center for 5 years. Jeanette and husband Jeff ('90) reside in Wakefield, VA with their 2 daughters Haley and Jenna.  Haley is a member of the TA Class of 2020 and Jenna is a member of the TA Class of 2023.

'99
Christy Boothe George and husband Burke have a 22 month old son, Grant George.  Christy is a Support Services Specialist for Colonial Heights Public Schools and just completed a post masters certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision.

'01
Jessica Williams has a 2 year old son, Tyler Dallas Gaboury.

Kristen Drewry Schoels works for FOX News in New York, hosting a weekly cooking segment. She has a cookbook coming out in the Fall of 2012.  Kristen and her husband live in Weehawken, NJ.

'02
Robert Cox married Emily Benko of Catasauqua, PA on August 13, 2011.

'03 
Douglas Dean graduated in June 2011 from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, VA with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree (D.O.). Doug will complete an internship in Michigan, and then a residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School. 
 

'04
Steven Savedge ran for public office in November 2011 for the Surry County School Board.  Even though he loss to an incumbent, he obtained 40% of the vote.  Steven obtained his Associates Degree in Business Administration from Paul D. Camp Community College in 2007 and is currently a Senior at Old Dominion University majoring in Business Management with a minor in Marketing. Steven resides in Elberon, VA.


Krystle Luvell Kitchen graduated from Liberty University in May 2011 with a Masters Degree  in Business Management and Human Resources.  She is continuing her education to receive a PhD, and is working as a promotional model.  Krystle lives in Ivor, VA. 

'05
Chad Felts will graduate from Wake Forest University School of Law in May 2012.  He is getting married to Kristi Finley of Palmyra, VA on August 18, 2012 in Charlottesville, VA.  Chad currently resides in Winston-Salem, NC.

'06 
Stephanie Edwards graduated from JMU in 2010 with a B.S. in Health Services Administration.  She has moved to Spotsylvania, Virginia to take a position as the Nursing Staff & Quality Services Coordinator for a new acute care hospital near northern Virginia.

'08
C.J. Fly returned home in August 2011 from a two year mission in Riverside, California. 
 
'10
Hayes Holdsworth says that she feels truly blessed to have been able to get her education at Tidewater Academy.  Hayes currently attends Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina. 
 
Trevor Benson is currently the Field Director for Ron Paul's presidential campaign for the state of North Dakota.  Trevor is temporarily living in Bismarck, North Dakota. 
 
Philip Fly is serving a two year mission in Zambia and Malawi, Africa.  Philip will return home in September 2013. 
 
'11 
Richard Hoagland is currently attending Hampden-Sydney College. 
 
In Memoriam

James William Renney, Jr. "Bill" ('70) passed away on May 18, 2011. Bill is survived by his wife Suzanne Renney (TA's Director of Development); daughters Jordan Renney Berryman ('97), Elizabeth Renney ('09), and Rebecca Renney ('11);grandsons Jake ('24) and Henry Berryman; and sisters Nancy Renney Hutcherson ('71) and Betty Renney Sharp ('83).

Elva Louise Laine Magee, grandmother of Molly Magee Dowless ('87) and great-grandmother of Sarah Dowless ('18), passed away on January 4, 2012. 
 
Christopher Randolph Murphy "Chris" ('92) passed away in July 2011.  He is survived by his mother Ronnie Phillips ('66). 
 
Joyce James, mother of Alan James ('83), Luann Schultz ('86), and Kay Tate ('88), passed away on December 11, 2011.   
 
Sandra Doggett Crocker, sister of TA's first grade teacher Ruth Judkins, passed away in September 2011. 

Welcome, Little Warriors!
  
Melissa Wheeler Cornwell('97) and husband Chris welcomed son Sawyer Everett Cornwell on January 24, 2012. 
 
Jay Monahan ('98) and wife Debbie welcomed son Michael Amos Monahan on January 13, 2012. 
 
Colt Pulley ('01) and wife Amanda welcomed son Wyatt Thomas Pulley on September 20, 2011. 
 
Jeremy Branch ('03) and wife Melissa welcomed son Jeremiah Edwards Branch on February 1, 2012.  Jeremiah's new grandparents are Bobby ('72) and Terri Branch. 
 
Where Are They Now?  Alumni Interview
Robyn Gay Croft
Robyn
 
 One could search the world over looking for the perfect independent school Admissions Director, but that would be a waste of time.  Look no further than Wakefield, Virginia and you will find Robyn Croft at Tidewater Academy.  She welcomes prospective new families and students as if they are members of her own family.  Her bright smile, enthusiasm, and desire to provide the highest level of customer service brings many outstanding new students to Tidewater Academy, who then become part of the TA family. 
 
Robyn is a true Warrior, through and through.  A lifelong member of the Wakefield community, she attended Tidewater Academy from kindergarten until graduation in 1983.  She then attended Richard Bland College in Petersburg, Virginia where she received an Associates Degree in Science.  A degree in hand, she began to work at International Paper in its accounting department.  She loved her work at IP, and continued there for 14 years.  Eventually it was time to make a change, and returning to Tidewater Academy as a member of its administration team was an excellent choice.  Robyn has worked at Tidewater Academy for 9 years.  In addition to her role as Admissions Director, Robyn's accounting experience has led her to a dual role at TA.  She also serves as the Assistant to Tidewater's Business Manager. 

If one were to ask Robyn how her experience at Tidewater Academy as a student influenced the person that she is today, she'd readily say that her teachers at Tidewater reinforced the same values imparted to her by her parents and family.  In addition to an excellent academic foundation, they taught their students to be honest, to be respectful of others, and to treat people as they would want to be treated.  And this is how Robyn lives her life.   
 
She has been married to John Croft for 19 years, and together they have a daughter, Katy, and a son, Jonathan.  Katy is a Senior at Tidewater Academy this year, and Jonathan is in the eighth grade.  Her children are what Robyn is most proud of in her life.  She takes much pride in Katy who is truly a good person, a good friend, and makes responsible choices.  She takes an equal amount of pride in her son Jonathan who is a kind and caring person, and very often an inquisitive, deep thinker. 

In her free time, Robyn has a variety of interests. She has a lifelong love of horses, and for many years enjoyed showing saddleseat Arabians.  She also loves to travel, especially to places of historical significance.  One might see Robyn visiting the homeplace of one of the nation's founding fathers, touring an art or history museum, or reading history-related books.  Robyn enjoys cross country skiing, and has skied in Colorado, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.  She has even spent four days as an extra in a James Spader movie that was filmed in the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA. 
 
Thank you Robyn for being the first alumni featured in this new edition of "Where Are They Now?"  You are an outstanding Tidewater Academy alumni.     
TA - Accomplishing Great Things


Every day at Tidewater Academy is a golden opportunity to make a difference, excel, and achieve more than the day before.  Students, faculty, and administration seize this golden opportunity, and throughout the school year accomplish great things while representing Tidewater Academy with Warrior Pride.  Here are just a few recent  "great things" happening at TA.TA Old Logo 

This month, the Middle and Upper School's Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) group worked at "Bags of Hope", a food bank operated by two local churches.  Students packaged frozen foods for patrons of the food bank, as well as assisted patrons in carrying their food bags to their vehicles. In the same spirit of helping others, Lower School students raised $2,383.20 to benefit the American Heart Association by participating in Hoops for Heart.  During the holiday season, the Upper School Student Government Association (SGA) and Lower School students collected and donated hats, mittens, socks, and toys to those in need.

Basketball season is always a time for Warrior athletes to shine.  The Varsity girls team completed their regular season with a record of 15-7 overall.  They are currently competing in the Virginia Commonwealth Conference (VCC) Girls Tournament and are ranked #6 in the State Division III Poll.  The Junior Varsity girls team completed their regular season with a record of 2-15 overall, and represented TA with dignity and good sportsmanship.  The Junior-Junior Varsity boys team completed their regular season with a fantastic record of 10-3 overall, while the Junior Varsity boys team completed their regular season with a great record of 15-8 overall.  Last, but certainly not least, the Varsity boys team finished their regular season with a record of 18-8 overall.  The Varsity boys are currently competing in the VCC Tournament, and are ranked #7 in the VIS Division III State Polls.

Tidewater Academy's Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted two new members into the Society last December 9, Juniors Cody Noblitt and Tyler Stephenson.  At TA, this is the time of year when Seniors begin to see the fruits of their academic efforts as college acceptances are received.  The Class of 2012 have already received acceptances to such great Virginia colleges as Hampden-Sydney College, Lynchburg College, Randolph Macon College, as well as others.  Many more are expected in the weeks to come!

Last November, TA's visual and performing artists participated in the Association of Virginia Academies (AVA) Arts Festival.  These Warrior artists had outstanding performances in singing, piano, and guitar.  The visual artwork of several students was also showcased, and is currently being exhibited in a traveling art show at each of the AVA schools for the remainder of the school year.  The Warrior arts program will achieve many accolades for Tidewater Academy this spring, with participation in the Troxler Library/Wakefield Foundation Art Competition, TA's own Art Fest 2012, the Rawls Museum Art Competition, as well as the Flower & Art Show at the Wakefield Foundation.

TA's Homecoming festivities were a resounding success on Friday, January 20th.  The night began with an alumni social and continued with an exciting series of Warrior basketball games.  Alumni, patrons, friends, and fans packed the gym that night!  A highlight of the night was the presentation of the Alumni of the Year award to Lisa Seward, class of 1986.  Lisa is a dedicated teacher, coach, parent, and volunteer who gives much of her time, support, and talents to the betterment of Tidewater Academy. 

A year at Tidewater Academy would not be complete without fabulous fundraisers to enhance the school's general fund!  Tuition does not cover the entire cost of educating TA's outstanding students, and fundraising helps to bridge this gap.  In the Fall, the 23rd Annual Big Money Raffle raised $14,609 for Tidewater Academy, and one lucky winner took home $10,000.  Homecoming weekend's 2nd Annual Aces Up Casino Night raised $6,000 for the school, and the upcoming Gala Auction is sure to be a fundraising success as well.  Looking ahead, TA's annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for June, so polish your clubs and consider signing your team up to play!