On Friday, March 23, 2001, at the awards ceremony for the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL) at Mary Baldwin College, SMA Alumni Association President Tom Phillips, SMA ’74, presented the Association’s $1,000 annual Leadership scholarship to a surprised and grateful Cadet Corporal Amanda Bennett. As is VWIL’s practice, the SMA colors joined the other flags on the podium for the ceremony.

Cadet Bennett, a sophomore from New York, is an Air Force ROTC cadet with a 3.3 grade-point average (out of 4.0). She also earned a perfect score on the physical-fitness test and is a member of the soccer team.

In a thank-you letter to the Association, she wrote:

I cannot even begin to explain the pride and joy I experienced upon receiving the award. It is an honor to have my name associated with that of the Staunton Military Academy. VWIL appreciates all that the alumni of SMA freely do for our corps. Thank you again.