Class of 2025
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! As a way to get to know them a little more, we are sharing thoughts from a brief questionnaire some of them filled out. Read about some of their favorite memories at Rockbridge Academy, including what they are thankful for, and what their senior thesis topics cover.
They were also given a choice to pick from one of three optional “just for fun” questions: 1. A toy company is making an action figure of amazing you! What accessories and mode of transportation would you come with? 2. If you could travel in time through a time machine, which era would you travel to first and why? 3. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring 3 things, what would they be?
May the Lord bless their future steps as they move on from our halls but not from our hearts.
Eddie Soltis
After 13 years at Rockbridge, I have made so many amazing memories, whether it be playing football during recess, going on field trips, or just having fun during class. Grand Tour, also brought so many great memories as well, like having a water balloon fight with Italian kids, seeing the Parthenon for the first time, or goofing off with our tour guide. However, one of my favorite memories while I was at Rockbridge happened during Grand Tour on the first night we were in Rome. A group of five other guys and I went out to dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant. We split multiple dishes and enjoyed the food with insightful and fun conversations. After dinner, we had gelato while sitting and gazing at the Colosseum. The people, the food, and the city all around us made that night one of my favorite memories while I was at Rockbridge.
I have been blessed to be a part of Rockbridge for the majority of my life. I am thankful for so many things like my friends and athletics. One thing in particular I am grateful for when looking back on my time at Rockbridge are the teachers at the school. The staff genuinely care about you not only as a student but as a friend and brother or sister in Christ. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to develop friendships with some of the teachers here.
My senior thesis is about the negative effects of digital entertainment and how it jeopardizes overall human well-being.
Just for fun: If I could travel back in time through a time machine, I would definitely travel back in time to Grand Tour last year. If I traveled back to see any different time period in history none of my loved ones or friends would be there. I would choose Grand Tour because it was such an incredible time and to expand my friendships and get closer with my class, along with studying the Greco-Roman world.
Kurtis Mole
My favorite memory of my time at Rockbridge was from fall of 2024 when we won the MIAC Boys Soccer Championship. The team displayed growth, improvement, and character as we overcame opponents who had beat us previously in the season. The boys really came together for this one, and it was a joy to be a part of! Grand Tour was also amazing.
I am thankful for the abundance of people interested in building a relationship with you and pointing you to God.
For my senior thesis, I am researching the shame/honor culture.
Just for fun: If a toy company made an action figure of Kurtis, let's just say he could fly. Of course, he would also come with a lightsaber because that's awesome.
Olivia Crane
One of my favorite memories from my time at Rockbridge is from the 2023 MISAL track and field league championship. Our inaugural varsity team only had four high school girls, two of whom were battling injuries. We were competing in the four-by-four-hundred-meter relay, and I had run my lap of the relay. It was now the last leg, and Jane Farr was furiously sprinting behind a Riverdale Baptist runner (for context: Riverdale comes to meets with a huge team including some recruited athletes). As I stood—or rather jumped up and down in excitement—on the field beside the track’s last one hundred meters, I watched Jane overtake Riverdale’s last runner, bringing to completion our team’s 400-meter relay. And just like that, our four-person team won the event!
I am thankful for countless mentors that have invested in me over my years at Rockbridge. From receiving spiritual nourishment in everyday classes, to hearing the best encouragements from my “big sister” in middle school cross-country, to running up the hills of Rome with my principal, to eventually attending the wedding of my fifth-grade senior mentor, I have experienced the love of Christ through many real-life superheroes at Rockbridge.
For my senior thesis, I have been researching Christian Platonism and how it impacts the believer's understanding of God.
Just for fun: If a toy company made the Olivia action figure, she would come with a violin and a brown sugar bubble tea. The violin accessory would be made with real hollow wood, strings, and horsehair for the bow so that Olivia could play real repertoire! Her mode of transportation would be a green mini-cooper.
Isaiah Amissah-Ocran
My favorite memory from my time at Rockbridge was last year after our twenty-four hour fasting period. We had a class feast and Dr. Seufert played music. The best part was when we played popular dance songs and the whole class plus others who heard it joined along, and we all danced together. It was a time of true enjoyment and fellowship after we had all collectively abstained from food and electronic devices.
I am thankful for the way Rockbridge has taught me how to speak and present myself. The rhetoric stage of Rockbridge has been uber beneficial to me in being able to communicate my ideas and thoughts in the classroom and outside of school. I will be forever grateful for the teachers who taught me these skills.
My senior thesis topic is on the affirmative action ban and whether the Supreme Court was justified in disallowing the policy.
Just for fun: If I was stranded on a desert island, I would bring my Bible, an air-conditioned tent, and a football.
Avery Fortlage
My favorite memory at Rockbridge occurred during my 11th grade literature class. While the class was reading The Odyssey, my teacher noticed I was completely focused on something else and told me to keep reading. Unbeknownst to him, I had spotted a spider crawling on the ceiling above him. Next thing I knew, the spider dropped down at breakneck speed. Before I could even get the word "spider" out, it had already made its quick descent and decided to stop about 1/4 inch from my teacher's face. This sent him running out of the room with a girlish scream and flailing arms, which caused the entire class to erupt with laughter. Needless to say, we didn’t get much more reading done that day.
As I look back on my time at Rockbridge, I am thankful for some of the amazing teachers I had. I have had the privilege of learning from some truly wonderful educators, especially Mrs. Kennedy. Going to her class or simply talking to her always made my day a thousand times better. She was a constant source of encouragement to me and a comforting presence when I was feeling overwhelmed. Her natural ease of teaching and ability to empathize with students is outstanding, and I am so appreciative of her impact on my time at Rockbridge.
For my senior thesis, I have been researching the question, “Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in WWII the best course of action?”
If I were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, I would choose a soccer ball, my music, and my brothers. The soccer ball would help pass the time, music would keep me entertained, and my brothers would keep me alive because, let's be honest, I'm not surviving on a desert island all by myself.
Hannah Leeman
Before Grand Tour, the administrators encouraged students to have dinner with each of our classmates. On the plane ride over, I wrote everyone's name in the front of my Grand Tour journal to keep track of those I had dinner with. Enjoying fellowship with each person in my class over a meal led to some of my favorite memories throughout my time at Rockbridge. Whether I was spitting my food on a classmate out of uncontrollable laughter or discussing the hardships and joys of fostering children with a parent, my conversations over this trip will remain my most precious memories.
I am most thankful for the teachers and administrators that have walked alongside me throughout my six years at Rockbridge. Each teacher seeks to pour into their students intellectually as well as spiritually. They have acted as mentors and teachers yet also as friends. Just within the last few months, I've had an impromptu conversation with my ninth grade history teacher about victimhood and freedom of speech, ate a taco lunch with our headmaster, and attended church with my rhetoric teacher. The relationships, laughs, and good times I have had with them are truly irreplaceable.
My senior thesis is on the "disease model" of addiction. Essentially, I am arguing that the common conception of addiction to drugs or alcohol as a disease actually prevents the addict from repenting and transforming through Christ.
Lincoln St. Cyr
My favorite memory was during 10th grade in Mrs. Ward's class, when we had a poetry recitation. I was doing "The Weary Blues" by Langston Hughes. It was a very sad poem, so I tried my best to act sad and gloomy while saying it. I purposely hunched over and swayed left to right with a depressing voice. However, some students found it funny, and the whole class started laughing. Mrs. Ward stood in front of the class and talked to them for a couple minutes about how they were immature. Everyone's grades (apart from mine) were reduced.
I am thankful for my friends and being able to hang out with them. This was reflected on Grand Tour, as I was able to hang out and have wine with my friends.
My senior thesis makes the case for why we shouldn't use Google.
Just for fun: If I were stranded on a desert island, I would bring a genie who grants infinite wishes, God, and my soul.
Rock Fix
Although I have been a part of many enjoyable and important life experiences during my time at Rockbridge, participating in Captain’s Cup has been a highlight across my years of schooling. I have been in Ms. Knoll’s “B” homeroom all six years of Upper School, and despite winning a tree decorating contest during the COVID year, our hunger to win the big one was not satisfied. That changed this past winter, as our homeroom took home the 2025 trophy for Odysseus and the Ogre: A Deleted Scene. It was a fulfillment of our Shrek-based seventh grade dream, and a fabulous ending to our years of hard work.
Reflecting on my time at Rockbridge, I am grateful for the people that have poured out their knowledge and experience into us students. The teachers and administrators alike have not only taught us important truths about all areas of life; they have also invested in us as people. I have been blessed to serve at staff Christmas parties and other events that have revealed how interesting and plainly human these people are. Many schools claim to have this important bond between teachers and students, but Rockbridge is one of the few that follows through on this promise.
My senior thesis is on secularism, specifically its religion of neutrality and the resulting harm to Christianity.
Just for fun: The Rock action figure would come with a removable cloth tux, which when removed would reveal a basketball uniform underneath. He would have an additional basketball accessory and a “cello and arrow,” simply a bow and arrow using a cello and its strings. As for a vehicle, he would come with his classic Honda Civic, decked out with a complete fabric interior. The Rock Fix action figure would be interesting, to say the least.
Harry McMahon
My favorite memories to look back on throughout my time at Rockbridge are from Grand Tour. From the long bus rides and playing charades to listening to crazy stories from our tour guides or just talking to each other and strengthening relationships, they were just wholesome and fun times that have stuck with me ever since.
I am so thankful for the many teachers that have seriously invested in my education and personal growth. There have been so many times when I have been overwhelmed or lost in class, but then someone like Mr. Head comes and can lighten everything up with a joke or story and then give you his full attention and time to help you better understand what seems so challenging.
My senior thesis is on the necessity of chivalry in modern society.
Just for fun: If I was stranded on a desert island, I would bring skiis to slide down the dunes, since I could go skiing and not be super cold. I would also get one of those cool suits from the Dune movies to stay hydrated and cool, and finally, I would get a camel to gallop around on so I'm not lonely, but also because it would look pretty cool.
Heidi Wagner
Rockbridge has gifted me with a multitude of wonderful memories. Among these is the process of creating and performing The Old Man and The Old Moon last year. The musical gave me the opportunity to connect with students I otherwise would not have known as well, and the small size of the cast enabled us to become a close community. We all grew individually and as a cast, constantly encouraging each other to be bold and unafraid on stage. One of my favorite parts of the experience was seeing each actor bond with their character and grow in confidence throughout the process.
My time at Rockbridge has brought me to appreciate having a voice in the classroom. From discussions and speeches to senior thesis, Rockbridge allows and encourages every student to present their ideas. The thesis process especially made me realize how blessed I am that my school supports and listens to its students. Very few high schoolers are given the opportunity to research a topic of their choice and present a thesis on it, let alone two! I am grateful to attend a school that values its students’ ideas, teaches us to present them well, and encourages us to respectfully interact with different perspectives.
My senior thesis discusses informed consent used for human subjects research. I explore the value of this informed consent, and I address the need for its reform.
Just for fun: An action of me would come with a cup of bubble tea, a camera, and a white scooter. Bubble tea is one of my favorite drinks, and I often enjoy it with friends, making the experience even sweeter. I would have a camera because, as many of my classmates know from my Grand Tour vlogs, I love to document my life, family, friends, and travels through pictures and videos. As for the scooter, I think it seems fitting. I am adventurous, and can envision myself scootering around new places with my camera and bubble tea in hand, creating new memories.
Alyssa Kurian
One of my favorite memories of my time at Rockbridge Academy is my time in Paestum, Italy, on Grand Tour. After many long hours on the bus, my class and I finally reached Paestum, which, to our surprise, included a beach. Immediately after dropping our bags at the absolutely beautiful hotel, we all rushed out to enjoy the warm sand and refreshing waters. Hours rushed by, as the entire senior class of 2025 played amongst the waves. There was something so nostalgic about playing in the water, together, without a care in the world. I laughed so much that day.
Throughout my time at Rockbridge, I never understood how blessed I was to be surrounded by such an incredible community. As I look to the near future, I realize that soon, I will leave for college, and will thus leave this environment I learned to love so deeply. My teachers work diligently to ensure that I receive the best education, while also caring for my mental health and spiritual growth. I can watch my fellow students, who have worked ardently alongside me, flourish in the eyes of the Lord. I am so thankful to have been fostered in Rockbridge Academy’s community.
My senior thesis topic is on modern ultra-processed foods and their significant impact on gut health, which results in cascading health issues, and thus should be avoided.
Just for fun: If I could travel in time, it would absolutely be the Regency Era! A time of architecture, fashion (as long as I am a wealthy noblewoman, of course), and all of my Pride and Prejudice fantasies!
Joshua Burroughs
One of my favorite memories of my time at Rockbridge was at the end of 8th grade. The way this school year ended was bittersweet. This was our last year at Baldwin, so while it was sad to leave the building we had known for so long, it was also nice knowing we would get our own school building.
Something I am thankful for is the Christian environment that Rockbridge provides. While we are all sinners, I have experienced a ton of kindness from people at the school due to Rockbridge's Christian values.
For my senior thesis, I am researching why autistic people need interventions to help them function in the world.
Just for fun: If I could travel in time, I would travel to the era in which Jesus was on earth, so I could listen to one of His preachings.
Theodore Grev
One of my favorite memories from my time at Rockbridge has to be on Grand Tour. Dominic, Matthew, Rock, and I woke up at 3:30 AM to go for a run to the highest point in Athens before running back to senior sunrise. From running in my sandals, to all the cars honking at us, and the extremely bitter oranges, it was definitely one of my favorite experiences.
Something that I am thankful for is the relationships I`ve developed with my teachers. It has been a blessing to learn about my teachers and the lives they`ve had and the stories they have to share. We`ve shared countless stories and laughs, and I am forever grateful for them.
My senior thesis is about building a resilient Defense Industrial Base ecosystem to preserve the national security of the U.S.
Julia Farr
One of my favorite memories during my time at Rockbridge was from 8th grade. We were not allowed to go into other homerooms because of social distancing, so my homeroom came up with creative ways to keep ourselves entertained before homeroom started, like playing hide and seek. Of course, the space was too small and there were no hiding spots, but if you hid behind the farthest crate from the door, then you could win. It was just a silly little way to have fun, but I still think of it as a sweet memory.
I am extremely thankful for my teachers. Each and every one of them cares so much about us. They take time to explain and discuss niche topics, enjoy our class jokes, and talk about life with us. Fellowshipping with teachers is such a blessing.
My senior thesis researches how movements use self-victimization to justify their actions.
Just for fun: If I could travel back in time, I would first visit 18th/19th century England. I've always loved the literature that came out of that time period (Pride and Prejudice, Tale of Two Cities, Jane Eyre, etc.), so it would be amazing to actually see it in action. The only caveat is that I would have to visit as a middle-upper class person because the lower class led very hard lives back then.
Catherine Schingeck
I find that my favorite memories from Rockbridge are a blend of many different experiences. Most of them are random conversations I've had that got me laughing so hard, learning Greek and French dancing during schole week, getting to hear fun stories from my teachers, stargazing at the house leadership retreat, and interacting with a geocasher as a cross country manager!
I am so thankful for my teachers and their willingness to pour into me. Whether it be a fun conversation in tea club or spending a conference time going over a test I struggled on, I have been extremely blessed by their daily faithfulness.
My senior thesis topic is considers how the Puritans provide a solution to the decline in quality for America's work ethic.
Just for fun: If a company was to make an action figure of me, I would come with my favorite book (The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles) and a Trader Joe's paper bag, and my mode of transportation would be a motorcycle with a sidecar for my pet pig.
Sophia Berger
It is impossible to pick a favorite memory because there’s not one standout memory, but rather the beautiful collection of everyday happenings which has made life lovely. If I had to pick though, I cherished my close-knit junior-year literature class. With only 7 of us in the class, we developed the ‘song of the week’ tradition where every person gave their song of the week each Friday which was then added to a shared Spotify playlist. Though it was simple, I looked forward to the jokes and environment of this class which made life brighter every day.
I truly believe God picked Rockbridge for me, knowing it would fulfill my spiritual, social, and academic needs. I am grateful for my fantastic classmates, close-knit friend group, and teachers who have mentored and invested in me, all of which have grown my faith and developed me as a person.
For my senior thesis, I am arguing that civil asset forfeiture is unjust according to American judicial principles. Civil asset forfeiture is a legal process which allows the government to seize someone's property if they suspect it to be involved in a crime, but the government doesn't need to convict, or even charge, the owner. I will show this is unjust because it expands the scope of in rem proceedings, violates due process, and provides a corrupt financial incentive for law enforcement.
Just for fun: As a history enthusiast, I would travel to Tsarist Russia, probably in the mid to late 17th century. While this would only be pleasant if I’m in the upper class, I’ve been fascinated by this time period for years. Having read a lot of Russian literature and studied the Russian language for a while now, I would love to travel to the world of my favorite novels. This epoch is characterized in my mind by idyllic snowy troika rides, ice skating, picking berries in the woods, Romanov palaces, and candlelit social balls.
Thomas Abell
One of my favorite memories at Rockbridge was the House Leadership Retreat this past summer. It was an incredible experience filled with fellowship, great sermon discussions, and fun bonding experiences. During one of the Amazing Race challenges, each house faced a challenge: solve a Sudoku puzzle or eat an entire can of Spam. Our team chose the Spam, which Rock and I bravely ate by ourselves. Although I will never eat Spam again, it was an amazing bonding experience I will never forget.
As I look back on my time at Rockbridge Academy, I am incredibly grateful for the teachers I have had. Whether it was thesis advising or helping with homework, every teacher provided incredible guidance and support. I appreciate their mentorship and for equipping me with the tools I need to succeed after high school.
I am writing about the challenges and ethical concerns posed by lithium-ion batteries for my senior thesis.
Just for fun: If I could travel back in time, I would choose to go to the 1950s. It would be amazing to witness the beginning of the Space Race and all of its innovations. It would also be incredible to watch the rise of some of my favorite ‘50s artists, including Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, the Everly Brothers, and Ricky Nelson.
Kyla Wilson
My favorite memories from my time at Rockbridge would be the times I got to go outside and play volleyball. Whether it was after school or during conference time, I would never miss the opportunity to play volleyball. These times I played sparked my interest for the sport and led me to play on Rockbridge's volleyball team this year which was really a blessing.
I am extremely thankful for my classmates. They are the ones who really made my school experience amazing. I have had a lot of time to spend time with all of them and some may think of it as annoying, but I count it as a blessing. They have been good influences and amazing people to be around. I will miss seeing them every day next year.
For my senior thesis, I will be arguing that Christians are justified in listening to good music produced by controversial artists.
Just for fun: My action figure would definitely be wearing a sturdy pair of headphones, so she can constantly listen to her favorite songs. She would also be able to ride around on her trusty scooter, making sure to watch out for cracks in the road.
Elizabeth Finch
One of my favorite memories at Rockbridge was when our class went on a morning hike during Grand Tour. I thought I would be too tired to want to go, but when I woke up, I was just excited. It was so peaceful to look out over Athens from the hill we were on and watch as the sun crept down the mountains and turned them a beautiful gold. It hit me then that I was standing where centuries of people had stood and was seeing the same mountains they would have. I am thankful that a biblical worldview was ingrained in everything we were taught. It makes it easier to see God in my daily life.
I am also thankful to have been blessed with teachers who care about their students. My teachers have poured so much time and effort into what they do, and I am so grateful for them.
My senior thesis topic is on how second wave feminism shifted the movement away from Christian principles regarding marriage and family.
Just for fun: If I was stranded on a desert island, I would bring the Bible (obviously), my crochet supplies for something to do, and an air-conditioned tent.
Helen Schingeck
As I look back at my time at Rockbridge Academy, my favorite memories are an accumulation of little things. Some of those memories include the conversations had at lunch that left us laughing, or marveling at God's goodness as we did a dissection in science class. I'm thankful for all the teachers I've had and their willingness to help me learn and succeed.
My senior thesis topic is on how the over-prescription of opioids has contributed to a decline in Americans' pain tolerance.
Just for fun: An action figure of me would come with a loaf of bread and a basket of books and yarn, since I love making bread, reading, and crocheting. My mode of transportation would be a mail truck.
Matthew Grube
One of my favorite memories comes from Grand Tour. Early on the last morning in Athens, Dominic, Rock, TJ, and I ran up Mount Philopappos. It was about five miles in total, and afterward, we ran to Mars Hill to see the sunrise with the rest of the Grand Tour group. This run was the highlight of my time at Rockbridge because I could see the city of Athens from the height of the mountain, running past some cool monuments and gardens along the way and enjoying these moments with some of my closest friends. I would do the run again.
I am especially thankful for Rockbridge teaching me how to think critically. It has prepared me to make sound decisions and make the best ones possible while having arguments to support my beliefs and decisions. The classical system is not for everyone, but it has unique benefits that opened doors for my future career.
For my senior thesis, I am researching whether nuclear power should be developed and used despite the risks.
Just for fun: If a toy company were making an action figure of me, I would first want it to come with a mountain bike with incredibly accurate features. These features would include a working dropper post, full suspension, inflatable tires, the ability to turn, and a mini kit and air pump. This would be my mode of transportation, and the action figure would look like a mountain biker.
Hannah Daly
My favorite memories from my time at Rockbridge are all the times my class laughed together. There are so many hilarious memories I will never forget. These seemingly small moments always made my day so much better. I encourage everyone to take the time to find the good in every day.
I am very thankful for the incredible Rockbridge Community. There have been so many people who have blessed me and my family in times when we really needed it. There aren't many other places with such a beautiful and vibrant community.
My senior thesis topic is on the necessity of Biblical rest.
Just for fun: If I could travel through time, I would travel to the future to see what the next greatest invention would be, and then I would go back in time and invent it.
Chloe Trudeau
My favorite memory of my time at Rockbridge was when I was a junior, and in Bible class we had a discussion about whether Christians should go along with the idea of Santa Claus.
I am thankful for the fact that the Rockbridge curriculum is shaped in a way that has made me much more confident in my questions and thoughts.
My senior thesis topic is on the societal change shown in the depiction of vampires through the Dracula film and The Twilight Saga.