As the sun graces our days and the warmth of summer fills the air, we find ourselves at the threshold of an exciting and crucial period at our Military Academy. The summer term brings with it the opportunity to achieve excellence, make lasting memories, and culminate our journey with a resounding success.
This past month has brought a start to two brand new clubs. The first being Golf Simulator, and the second being Cricket. Both have had intriguing interest in the boys and the numbers have only been increasing the more they play.
Staring at the ceiling in my new room on a hard wooden bed, I reminisced about the warmth of my old bedroom, the comfort of a house and my ever so loving family. I remember coming home from school earlier that week with red writing all over my assignment. I was horrified not because of how it would affect my GPA, but rather how my parents would react to it.
There are many aspects of life at RLA that are difficult. There are many challenges a Recruit faces at the Academy. Watching other Cadets go on leave, taking scoff and having more time to relax and watch TV was difficult. Having to stand behind my chair in the Mess, staring at my meal, waiting for an IC to sit me down, was difficult. Having to go back to remedial drill multiple times and re learn basic drill lessons was difficult. Classes were ok but having to pass my P.O. run at least once a month, even in January was difficult.
This year, our June events include the Robert Land Academy Gala Event. This gala dinner is the school’s major fundraiser. Last year the gala, with the help of Layne The Auctionista, raised a significant portion of the funds needed to build a new science lab.
On Monday, May 15,the Loyalists travelled to the Welland Youngs Sportsplex to take on the DSBN Academy Argonauts. A win would see RLA claim the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association Tier Two regular season championship and gain home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Based on the success of RLA's throwers, Track and Field Coach John Ahlstedt has declared the sport is now Field and Track.
On Saturday, May 13, the Academy hosted the Annual Inspection and Open House. This event is an opportunity for the students to show what they've been doing all year, demonstrate new skills learned and brag about their successes.
Last week, after two weeks of practicing tying the dreaded Double Windsor knot, in their Houses, A Coy had their annual tie-tying competition. Each student had to tie at least one, and then as many other approved knots as possible, all within 5 minutes, with no talking! Winning by only one knot, Pierpoint House claimed victory!
On Tuesday, May 2, just before kick-off, several players on the Laura Secord Secondary School Patriots soccer team questioned the toughness of students at a military school. RLA's soccer players took it personally, and proceeded to show Secord just how tough they are by outhustling, outworking, and outplaying the Patriots to a 5-1 victory.