We are back to warmer weather. Spring sports teams are absolutely loving the warmer days! The great weather and the beautiful Spring foliage is just in time for a great Homecoming 2016, this weekend.

Homecoming is the time for our Cadets to meet and talk with Cadets who have gone before them. Alumni might be in college, in business, government, military or retired-- but they all have a story and the shared experience of Hargrave. Seniors especially will have an opportunity to network with Hargrave alumni during the Alumni Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Every year connections are made over a plate of eggs, biscuits and gravy.

We are in record breaking territory for the number of alumni planning to attend this year's homecoming. That said, parents are absolutely welcomed on campus! If you want to watch the Cadet Parade on Saturday, April 23 at 11:00 a.m., please join us.

Hargrave's 2014 Tattoo

Additionally, join the Cadets for their Tattoo Ceremony on Friday, April 22 at 5;30 p.m. (No, the Tattoo is not Cadets lining up to get a tattoo. It's an "Old Army" tradition of a formal military retreat ceremony to lower the National Colors complete with patriotic music. It's not a long ceremony, but I promise you'll be moved by it.) There is even a golf outing at 10:00 a.m. at the Danville Country Club Friday morning. Homecoming and reunion activities will fill much of Friday evening and most of Saturday.

Sophomores overcome at the 2016 Sophomore Challenge.

The Class of 2018 enjoyed a corporate style leadership retreat in the Sophomore Challenge this past weekend. The Sophomore Challenge is based on team building and leadership skills offered at Goose Creek Adventure Learning Center in Moneta, Virginia.

For our sophomores, USAF ROTC students from Liberty University guided them through the Challenge course. The guides organized nine man teams for a 12 station course. At each station the guide chooses a leader from the team and explains the scenario. The leader must listen closely to the scenario instructions and then relay those instructions to his team members. Leaders must assign tasks and delegate. Each team has 15 minutes to overcome each scenario.

With different ways to solve each scenario, leaders often take different approaches. Their leadership and communication skills are challenged. One of the key lessons our young men learn--how to be a good follower is just as important as being a good leader. Leaders and teams are also rated on who led and which team worked together the best. At the end of the day, awards, camaraderie and an all you can eat pizza party followed. The sophomore really enjoyed connecting as a class and sharing their scenario solutions from the day.

The Hargrave Highlanders also attended the Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville, North Carolina this past weekend. This has quickly turned into the pinnacle event of the year for the Highlanders, as they experience Scottish heritage and events such as the Massed Bands, solo performances and group performances. While they attend as high schoolers, the participate as equals with both college and adult bagpiping groups. The full story follows.

Tomorrow our Postgraduate Basketball team heads to Richmond to visit with Commonwealth Governor Terry McAuliffe. After winning the National Prep Championship on March 9, 2016. This is extraordinary recognition that is well deserved for a team with a national title and a 47-1 record. It is an amazing achievement.

I'm looking forward to a great Homecoming, Mother Day's weekend and graduation. This is when Hargrave is at its absolute best. I welcome your time on campus.

Best regards,

Don Broome

BG, USA (Ret.)

President