Hopewell High School JROTC Part of Kippax Plantation Ceremony
By R. M. Carkhuff
It’s always an honor when Hopewell students are asked to participate in local events. On September 15, 2021, members of the high school’s Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) were asked to participate in the unveiling ceremony for a new plaque that will live at Kippax Plantation in Hopewell.
Kippax Plantation is the site of Pocohontas’ son John Rolfe’s, and his daughter, Jane Rolfe’s, final resting place. The property was purchased in 2006 by the Archaeological Conservancy.
The unveiling ceremony took place at Weston Manor, and featured many distinguished guests, including Governor Ralph Northam; members of the Bolling, Eppes, and Heretick families; Virginia Delegates Lashrecse Aird, Carrie Coyner, and Stephen Heretick; and Virginia State Senator Joe Morrissey.
The JROTC was asked by the City Council to assist with directing parking and perform the presentation of the colors before the ceremony.
The image is of HHS’ JROTC members in their uniforms, posing for a group shot at Weston Manor on 9/15/21. Image courtesy of Rene Lopez-Valverio.
“It feels good [being asked to participate because] it lets us know that [City Council] knows we’re doing a good job, and it gives us a chance to show them, also, that we are doing a good job for the community and our school,” said Dorian Davis, a member of JROTC.
The marker will live at Kippax Plantation where folks can go visit and learn a local slice of history.
The image is of the Kippax Plantation Marker. It explains the historical importance of Kippax Plantation. Image courtesy of the Historic Hopewell Foundation’s event program.