![]() “This place just gives you more opportunities in general,” said Kopjanski. Kopjanski is confident that he will be able to reach the goals he has set for himself with the help of the High Flight program and everything else R-MA has to offer. In Kopjanski’s case, these service academies include the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. The High Flight Program is geared towards those Randolph-Macon Acade students who aspire to be a career military officer along with attending one of the United States service academies. Kopjanski has expressed great excitement to join Randolph-Macon Academy’s Upper School and hopes to become part of the “High Flight” program. The extent of Kopjanski’s knowledge and work ethic both inside and outside of the classroom is truly remarkable. He is also starting to farm flowers and self-sustaining crops. ![]() He raises cattle and has competed in regional fairs, proving his ability to raise great bovine. Kopjanski’s hard work ethic is found not just on R-MA’s campus, but on his family’s farm as well. However, Kopjanski wanted to make himself stronger and faster by practicing with the Upper School track team. He made this decision knowing he could have been successful in both tennis and flag football and knowing he would not run in any competitive meets on the track team. When the spring sports season came around he decided to run track with the Upper School rather than play flag football or tennis with the Middle School. The faculty of R-MA often see Kopjanski making decisions that reflect just how mature he is. From that point on he became a pivotal player for our team, usually being the first person in the game off the bench.” “Ben originally wanted to be a manager,” said Illnicki, “however, during a drill where we needed one more player, Ben graciously volunteered. Kopjanski’s accomplishments extended beyond the classroom as he received the Most Improved Player award for the boys’ basketball team. In the classroom Ben is a model student who thrives on learning and performing to a high standard.” It was a pleasure to have Ben on the middle school golf and boys’ basketball teams because of his constant hustle and willingness to learn both games. English teacher Bill Curl commented, “Ben is mature beyond his years. Other faculty members are inclined to agree with Illnicki. He is always willing to volunteer and to help when needed. “Ben works hard and holds himself to the highest standards. “I cannot say enough good things about Ben,” said Joshua Illnicki, a teacher at R-MA Middle School. The faculty members feel the same way about this young man. “The academics are better and the classrooms are smaller… I also like the staff here.” “It is much better than my previous school,” said Kopjanski. It is safe to say the feeling is mutual for the 2016 Aim High recipient. Randolph-Macon Academy strives to help students find their passion for learning and the teachers are energized every time they welcome a student like Kopjanski. This award is given to the most well-rounded student who exemplifies outstanding behavior, maturity and an overall commitment to excellence. His efforts both inside and outside of the classroom earned him the most prestigious award R-MA Middle School has to offer, the “Aim High” award. This past school year was his first year at R-MA and he made the most of it by excelling in academics and playing a sport in every season available to him. ![]() He is a remarkable young man with an incredible work ethic and a deep understanding of what it means to have knowledge, leadership, and character. Among these students was a young man named Ben Kopjanski who has made a great name for himself here on top of the hill. On Thursday, June 2, 2016, Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) graduated the eighth grade class of 2016.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |