An Exciting and Memorable Alumni Weekend!

Story by Anisa Phillip ('23)

At this year’s Alumni Weekend, excitement and laughter were felt and heard throughout each generation represented. The big event that students, faculty and alumni had worked hard for went off without a hitch.

Friday morning, the Alumni Golf Tournament started things off with players and sponsors filling the roster to raise more than $54,000 toward installing Shenandoah Valley Academy’s (SVA) ballfield lighting.

Friday evening, alumni enjoyed haystacks in the cafeteria. Many shared stories as members of the 2023 Senior Honor Class made new alumni friends. At vespers, alumni and students led praise team and performed special music. Weekend speakers and alumni Geoff and Alicia Patterson (’83), pastor of the Boulder (Col.) church and grief counselor/ lecturer, respectively, spoke about one’s response to loss in the context of the biblical story of Jacob.

Sabbath morning, alumni caught up with friends in the new gym lobby and portico. Kelli Hanon (’88), alumni president, invited honor class representatives to read the roll call. Especially celebrated was 80th honor class member Bernice Davidson (’43), whose sparkle and energy inspired attendees. Students cheered for Shane Anderson, campus pastor, as he received an honorary diploma, as well as for current faculty honor class members Kelly Wiedemann (’03), associate music director, and Jonathan Burishkin (’03), IT director.

Students in the Music Department performed throughout the worship service. With tears in their eyes, many attendees joined students in singing “We Have This Hope.” The Pattersons spoke about the “seasons” of life. Students and alumni sang the traditional “Hallelujah” chorus to close the service, followed by honor class photos and lunch.

Sabbath afternoon, attendees celebrated the Zirkle Gym ribbon cutting and rededication ceremony for the completion of the gym building project. Charles A. Tapp, SVA board chair and Potomac Conference president, led the prayer of rededication. Alumni Howard and Louise Phanstiel (’76) were presented with the Dale E. Twomley Pillar Award for their visionary leadership and dedication to sustaining the school and students. The ceremony was filled with special thanks to the donors, faculty, staff, builders and volunteers who made the project possible, ending with a dessert reception.

Saturday night, at the eagerly anticipated alumni basketball game, the girls’ varsity played the alumni ladies. The alumni reclaimed their championship title, as their determination led them to the win. The boys’ varsity played next, beating the alumni men 104-74.

Sunday morning, a Principal’s View breakfast for alumni featured harp and strings students. Alumni and specially invited student guests enjoyed a mixer game to learn more about student life today.

At the final event, the SVA boys’ soccer team played the alumni and won. Many say it was great to be back in the gym again with all the special traditions, and it will be hard to top this year’s exciting and memorable Alumni Weekend!