Shenandoah Valley Academy: An Adventist boarding school education legacy.
Founding and Early History
Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) was founded in 1905 by Charles D. Zirkle, a dedicated Adventist church worker. Zirkle, on his deathbed, requested his inheritance be used to establish a school for training young people. In March of that year, 42 acres of the Zirkle family farm, located just west of New Market, Virginia, were donated to the Virginia Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Valued at $3,000 at the time, Zirkle's land gift became the permanent home of SVA.
Construction of the academy began in 1907, with the original main building completed in September 1908. Initially a ten-grade school, Shenandoah opened its doors to 15 students. The first four students graduated in 1911 marking the beginning of an Adventist boarding school education legacy that includes more than 5,600 alumni.
Challenges and Growth
Early Challenges
Like many fledgling institutions, SVA faced significant challenges in its early years. The school did not operate in 1913, raising doubts about its future. In 1918, the flu pandemic paralyzed the academy, claiming one life. Even with these hardships, the school persevered under the leadership of dedicated individuals. Principal H.M. Forshee (1916-1921) provided steady guidance, while Elder R.D. Hottel, pastor of the New Market church, worked tirelessly to secure donations.
Resilience and Leadership
In 1927, W.C. Hannah became principal, a position he held for 26 years. With his leadership, Shenandoah transformed from a small, unaccredited school into a respected, accredited boarding academy. Even though a fire that destroyed the boys’ dormitory in 1934, the school continued to grow and thrive.
Modern Development
Physical Campus Growth
With the leadership of principal Dale E. Twomley (1975-1979, 2006-2008, 2014-2016) the 1970s were a time of physical growth for the SVA campus, see below. Shenandoah Hall (1935), the last remaining wooden structure, was replaced in 1977 with a modern administration building. Elements of Shenandoah Hall—front windows, door, and light—are preserved in the Alumni and Development Office facade within the new building. In the 2000s, Twomley led major renovations of both dormitories, in 2015 a major renovation of the cafeteria.
Principal Don Short (2016-present) led the 2023 renovation of Zirkle Gymnasium that included the addition of new restrooms, locker rooms, common and concession area, and exterior terrace.
Notable Campus Additions and Renovations
- Zirkle Gymnasium (1955): Renovated, expanded in 2023 with the addition of restrooms, locker rooms, common and concession area, exterior terrace.
- New Market Seventh-day Adventist Church (1976): Seats 774 attendees; pipe organ upgrade 1983.
- Student Center (1971): Extensive renovation in 2007.
- Twomley Hall Administration Building (1977): Houses classrooms, library, auditorium, music facilities, a technology center, and administrative offices.
- Hadley Hall girls’ dorm (1958) and Phanstiel Hall boys’ dorm (1968, formerly Price Hall): major renovations in 2007-2008.
Mission and Vision
While the physical campus has grown to 450 acres and been developed over time, the SVA mission remains unchanged, as envisioned by founder Charles Zirkle.
Shenandoah Valley Academy, established in 1908, exists to provide a distinctly Seventh-day Adventist college preparatory program through experiences that produce disciples of Jesus who are compassionate citizens prepared for college and careers.
The story of Shenandoah Valley Academy is testament to God's leading and providing, and to administrators, faculty and staff, students and alumni, whose resilience and unwavering dedication to SVA Adventist boarding school education has shaped the lives of thousands. With God's guiding hand and unwaveringly supportive alumni, Shenandoah's legacy of excellence will endure until Jesus comes.
