FA’s OLRC Erects 30-Foot Climbing Wall and Low Ropes Course
“It’s been two years in the planning,” says Joel Rhymer, director of the outdoor learning and research center. “Despite the structure’s recent installation near the school garden and barn, the Academy has had a long history of providing students opportunities for challenge and adventure using ropes and course activities for the past 20 years. The new structure is a renewal and stronger commitment to the program.”
The new ropes course includes a 30-foot climbing wall with handholds, two rope ladders, and a ladder swing. Currently, three ‘pods’ of the low ropes course have been installed with plans to add a fourth soon. The pods are designed to become progressively more challenging, and each offers a different activity for students. Fun names like “Whale Watch, “Playpen,” “TP Shuffle,” and “Zig Zag” were given to the pods as a way of distinguishing the structures during use.
Vestals Gap Ventures of Purcellville, VA—one of the oldest and most well-respected ropes course designers in the U.S. — designed and installed the course after consulting with FA staff. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a prestigious company,” continues Rhymer. “Vestals Gap Ventures have been in business for a long time, not only designing and installing challenge courses but also offering the essential training and certification to ensure safety.”
Rhymer went on to explain that activities involving the low ropes course were primarily designed to build teamwork and group leadership whereas the high ropes are designated for individual challenge and adventure. “We look forward to utilizing the ropes course for various courses, which include May Term, Rock Climbing, Outdoor Adventure, OLRC Biology as well as for residential life activities and advisory program,” concludes Rhymer. “The opportunities are endless.”
We are pleased to announce the following students who have earned academic recognition at Fryeburg Academy for the Fall of 2023-24:
HONORS Grade 12: (Honors)
Charlotte Adamus Vittoria Bernardini Natalie Berry Dom Bond Jordin Booker Owen Burford Tori Butters Jilyan Byrne Lorenzo Catana Vallemani Jonah Densmore Vitoria Do Espirito Santo Teixeira Elle Dooley Austin Dorner Deniz Eroglu Manu Fandos Martinez Aidan Flanigan Amber Gagnon Mia Grandchamp Gal Hanan
Emily Hoosier Noah Jacobs Emma Keaten David Kim Joey Kim Kardelen Lacinok Helena Landry Margherita Lassini Leo Lee Celine Lee Ana Maillett Moss Marques Caroline Masterman Asher McKenney Ryan Meade Natalia Millan Arenas Mina Milosevic Tommy Morini Tasia Nason
Rachel Pizzo Grace Porcaro Abby Pratt Ashe Rabideau Winter Raymond Dustin Rhoda Gideon Richard Leah Rokes Margherita Rossi Gunnar Saunders Louie Shin Lamar Smith Hunter Tripp Tanner Tripp Gabby Udoto Logan Walton Kara Willette Connor Williams Mary Wing Kevin Zhou
From October 31 through November 3, five members of the Academy's FFA Chapter (Future Farmers of America) and faculty member Jennifer Solter Jones attended the National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
On Thursday, November 16th, Fryeburg Academy celebrated the fall sports season with its annual fall sports awards assembly held in the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center. The following student-athletes were recognized for their outstanding performance during the fall 2023-24 season:
Fryeburg Academy and the Board of Trustees announce the installation of Joseph R. Manning as the Academy’s 55th head of school. The Installation Ceremony was held on Friday, November 3, 2023, with members of the Fryeburg Academy community, the Board of Trustees, and former head of school Erin P. Mayo in attendance as a guest speaker. Manning steps into this new leadership role during the school’s 232nd year, following a long-tenured and successful career at the Academy spanning twenty years of service.
Fryeburg Academy seniors Tyler Bartick and Jiwon Choi have earned Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSC) for their performance on the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
Fryeburg Academy is an independent boarding and day school, serving grades 9-12 and postgraduate. We invite you to explore our site and learn how students from around the globe find their place in the world through our exceptional academic, art, and athletic programs.