News

Amelia Academy opened the 2018-19 school year on Wednesday, August 15 with lots of new bright, shining faces, and many that have been with us for a good number of years, along with several new faculty members.  

Underclassmen wait to cheer on this year’s Amelia Academy senior class.

Amelia Academy seniors arrive at school on Wednesday morning in the new activity bus

Amelia Academy kindergarten students with their teacher, Mrs. Najah Lambert, wait to cheer on the Class of 2019 on their first day of school as seniors.  Seniors this year arrived at school Wednesday morning in the schools’ new activity bus.

Amelia Academy fourth grade teacher Miss Tracy Landry shows her students how to raise and lower the flag.  Each year the fourth grade takes the responsibility to raise and lower the flag.  Pictured with Miss Landry are Johnathan Anderson and Austin Ison.

Preschool parents say goodbye to their children on their first day of school. 

New Amelia Academy faculty members for the 2018-2019 school year – Seated (l-r): Mrs. Michelle Humphrey, Miss Samantha Smith, and Mrs. Terri Wyatt. Standing (l-r): Mrs. Najah Lambert, Mr. Paul Atkins, and Miss Victoria Lunsford.

“Amelia Academy truly feels like a home away from home,” said Ms. Najah Lambert during her first week of teaching kindergarten at Amelia Academy.

This sentiment was shared by her fellow new teachers and existing faculty as they welcomed students back for a new year on Aug. 15. “The first days brought great excitement and anticipation, and our teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to prepare for a wonderful year,” said Rodney L. Taylor, Head of School. 

Ms. Lambert holds a degree from Liberty University with elementary education endorsements. She enjoys traveling, learning languages, and spending time with her family. Originally from Alexandria, Ms. Lambert currently resides in Crewe.

Also joining the faculty are Mrs. Terri Wyatt and Mrs. Michelle Humphrey. Mrs. Wyatt, entering her 18th year of teaching, will be teaching social studies and history classes in the middle and upper schools. Currently residing in Cumberland, Mrs. Wyatt is originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. She holds degrees from Carson-Newman College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

“Amelia Academy faculty and staff are extremely accepting, friendly, supportive, and helpful,” said Mrs. Wyatt. “I especially cherish the spiritual focus at school.” In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cross-stitch, and collecting Peanuts items. 

Originally from Chesterfield, Mrs. Humphrey will be teaching science classes. She holds a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and currently resides in Amelia. Previously a substitute teacher at the Academy, she is excited to join her daughter Emma, an eighth-grader at the Academy, every day. Mrs. Humphrey enjoys spending time with family and gardening. 

Mr. Paul Atkins will serve as the new Athletic Director. Mr. Atkins holds a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. An Atlanta Braves fan, he enjoys hunting, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his son Cole. Originally from Richmond, Mr. Atkins currently resides in Chesterfield. 

The Academy’s previous Athletic Director and long-time member of the faculty, Mrs. Angela Anderson, is the new Director of Student Affairs. She will oversee school security and new student recruitment, among other responsibilities. 

New to the Lower School are Ms. Samantha Smith and Ms. Victoria Lunsford who will be aides in the preschool classes this year. “I love the environment of the Academy,” said Ms. Smith. “Everyone has been super encouraging and willing to welcome me with open arms.” Ms. Smith brings a wealth of experience in working with young children, most recently working as a nanny and a daycare teacher. She enjoys outdoor sports, Bible study, and going to the movies. Ms. Smith is currently working on her degree in Developmental Psychology through Liberty University and resides in Amelia. 

Ms. Lunsford is also an Amelia native and says that education is her passion. Having done many things, including dental assisting, she says that coaching the Academy’s middle school girls’ volleyball team has been a highlight the past two years. Ms. Lunsford’s interests include volunteering, traveling, shopping, and makeup artistry.

It has been a busy summer at Amelia Academy, and our sparkling hallways and classrooms await the return of our student body.  Everyone at Amelia Academy is eager to delve back into the school year this month and welcome everyone back.  The 2018-2019 school year promises to be more inspiring and thought-provoking than ever before.

We welcome each student for his or her unique place in our community of learning. We get to know our young Patriots as individuals, taking the time to understand what each one needs to excel academically and lead productive lives.  

We want them to have a stellar education while here—one that will set them apart from their students elsewhere and place them squarely on a path to success when they graduate.

Our commitment to Amelia County continues to grow stronger with each passing year. Our students understand at a young age that it is important to prioritize and take care of the place where you live. We expect Amelia Academy Patriots will continue to donate community service hours where they are most needed. We’ve even seen some of our Upper School students continue to donate community service hours throughout their summer hiatus to important causes like the Amelia County Animal Shelter. 

We continue to offer unique programs that allow our students to grow in myriad ways that address their special interests. Our Equestrian Program will be in its third year, our Industrial Arts program is broader, Bible studies have expanded to every grade, team sports are thriving and (of course!) our academic credentials just keep getting stronger. And we continue to have the flexibility to develop programs based on our students’ interests.  

Our new Patriots at Play playground will be dedicated this month.  Please check your mail for an invitation to this special event, followed by a back to school celebration.  

We anticipate that the 2018-2019 academic year will surpass every year before it.  The instructors and staff here at the Academy can’t wait to get started on a new year of learning and growth!

Rodney Taylor

Headmaster