The Arrow Fall 2019

President’s Paragraph Following is the text of Dr. Groves’ Convocation Address: August 26, 2019 Hello, my name is Dr. Michael Groves, President of Oak Hill Academy. Welcome to our school, which is now your school. Oak Hill Academy. Look at the school seal behind me. “Since 1878.” That’s 141 years of history— generations of students and faculty and staff. The tentacles of this tiny school stretch from Mouth of Wilson all over the globe. Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, North America, Africa; we have graduates from nearly every state in the U.S. Tremendous legacy, unmatched tradition. And, yet, I know what is most important for you on this day is not yesterday or yesteryear, it is today, right now, this year. Our theme for 2019-2020 is OPPORTUNITY. I encourage you strongly: embrace this opportunity. Today is a fresh start, a new day; it’s a new day for you, a new year for OHA. We have a tremendous group of faculty and staff and administrators in place for you. There are activities planned for you, and we live in arguably the most beautiful place in the United States. Clean air, fresh water, and healthy activities abound just outside every door and window on campus. You’ll see beautiful views of mountains, picturesque sunrises and sunsets, and an untrammeled night sky. Here, in this beautiful place, you have the opportunity to make friends that will last a lifetime, to learn lessons that will change the course of your future, and to live in a community that you will look back upon fondly for the rest of your life. Soon you will notice that the folks who call this campus home, who live here year round, well— we love Oak Hill Academy. This school is so woven into the fabric of our being that sometimes it’s hard to tell where OHA begins and an individual person begins. Steve Smith, for example, isn’t just Coach Steve Smith, he’s Oak Hill Academy Coach Steve Smith. My mailing address is the same as yours—2635 Oak Hill Rd., my email is drgroves@oak-hill.net. We really live here, we

really love it here; OHA is a part of us. In fact, Oak Hill Academy identifies us. And that— being identified with Oak Hill Academy—that is a blessing. I am happy that you shall be living here, too, with us. Make sure you throw your arms around this opportunity; make sure you allow this opportunity to embrace and carry you. Please know that the key to your success at OHA cannot be found in your dorm room assignment, nor can it be found by what we are having for lunch today. In fact, success is not necessarily going to be located in your grades, or a dorm report, or even on a stat sheet. The key to your success—and to a large extent your level of happiness here—revolves around your mindset, around opening yourself to this opportunity. I implore you: Find the good in every day at OHA. Learn to appreciate that the adults in this room will listen to you and care for you. We shall remind you often that God loves you, even while pushing you to new levels of success. To become who God wants you to be … that can and will happen right here, in this place, in your school, Oak Hill Academy. Good Morning, Welcome, may God Bless you, and may God bless Oak Hill Academy.

Year 141 begins right now. (The tolling of the Academy Bell.)

Follow Dr. Groves on Twitter @DrGrovesOHA.