As a big surprise to our cadets we canceled classes this past Wednesday so the students could sleep late and participate in the “Winter Festival.” Students gathered in the Grant gym in their PT uniform to join in the activities. We had a dunking booth so cadets could throw a ball and dunk a faculty or staff member, a cup cake eating, a basketball shooting, and a push up contest and gladiator type floating platform. Lunch was served in the gym and the students “hung out” until sports time. The purpose was to break the monotony of the long snowy days we have experienced. Please look at the pictures on Face Book.

Hargrave cadets had the opportunity to participate in many activities and outings this weekend. HMA’s varsity soccer team traveled to Richmond Va. for a Valentine’s Day soccer tournament. They played three games in a scrimmage atmosphere. Troop 68 traveled to the Triangle Rock Club in Raleigh NC. The rock club is an indoor mountain climbing and training center where the scouts could work on their climbing merit badges. They spent the night in the climbing facility which is owned by a Hargrave alumnus. Six Scouts were able to earn the climbing merit badge. Hargrave swimmers participated in the VIC championship tournament in Roanoke Va. on Friday and Saturday. Currently Hargrave is tied for the VIC Championship. Finally on Friday the juniors and seniors joined in for a fun evening around a bonfire to discuss goals for the remainder of the year.

Saturday was another full day. HMA wrestlers went to LCA for a tournament and earned an overall third place. SgtMajor Hofer took his leadership class to Quantico Va. to tour the Marine Corps Museum. Another group went to Winter Green for a ski/snow board trip. JV and varsity basketball had games on Saturday and the varsity defeated a strong Eastern Mennonite team. Capt Wilson and Capt Robinson took Hargrave’s band and color guard to Roanoke for a “massing of the bands” to honor WWII veterans.

Paint ball competition was the activity highlight for Sunday. Sunday evening was the beginning of Hargrave’s Spiritual Emphasis week. Spiritual Emphasis week is dedicated to improving everyone’s Christian values and creating a tone of reflection on individual progress for the year.

All of the cadets are excited because spring sports begin this week. The weather should begin to improve and everyone is ready for outside activities. Haregrave cadets are also looking forward to this week’s open weekend.