February 17, 2010
Lincoln Makes a Whistle-Stop Tour of Academy
Category: Academy Headlines | Community News Headlines
Tags: Events, Students
President Lincoln began his visit to the Academy on the McCormick Campus, first speaking with Upper Division students and then to Middle Division students. He shared stories from his early life, his path into politics, and the challenges he faced as President during the Civil War. Each session ended with an opportunity for students to ask questions of our special guest. (He proved, however, understandably reluctant to answer any questions about the circumstances of his death.) Mr. Hagenau and his AP US History students then joined the President for a lunch discussion in the Lorton Conference Room. After lunch, President Lincoln traveled over to the Wendlek Campus for a visit with our 2nd-4th Grades students. He ended his tour of the Academy with a surprise visit to first graders, who had just finished creating likenesses the President out of colored paper, markers, and pieces wool yarn. President Lincoln’s visit was made possible through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. David Persky, parents of Abigail (Academy Class of 2012). President Lincoln was brought to life by professional performer and historian Jim Getty. Mr. Getty, fittingly, has been a resident of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for three decades, during which time he has enlightened and entertained diverse audiences across the nation with his knowledgeable and captivating portrayal of our 16th president.
On Tuesday, February 9th, just in time for the national holiday honoring him and a number of his predecessors, President Abraham Lincoln made a whistle-stop tour of the Academy at the Lakes. 
