DDA Celebrates 6th year; Begins 7th

Caption: KaliVRahu announces the Double Dragon Academy graduating class of 2015 on Saturday.

The Double Dragon Academy celebrated its 6th year Anniversary this weekend 600 years after the Battle of Agincourt, whose Feast Day the DDA was dedicated on. The battle is best rememberd from the 'St. Crispens day speech' in the play 'Henry V' by William Shakespeare.

“And this day shall ne'er go by, To the ending of the world, without rememberence of we few, we happy few, we band of brothers;”

​The passage underscores the DDA's dedication to its the brothers and sisters who pass through its gates.

The Double Dragon Academy kicked off its Anniversary by hosting the 194th SLTA Intersim 'Cry The Tournament'.

Caption: Attendees of the Intersim ‘Cry The Tournamement’ on Friday 23, 2015 at the DDA gathered for a picture around the winners dressed in their Best of Red.

SLTA INTERSIM AT DDA

16 Attendees watched and participated in the 194th SLTA Intersim. The Best of Helm was awarded to ‘Best In Red’ and was awarded to the Red Dragon Jousting Team, accepted by Team Captain TheresaLynn08 (Orianna Varner). Other winners splitting the $3000 purse were:

1st - Stormy Summerwind (Stormy McCain)

2nd - Jazz Barrowstone (NightstalkerDahteste Fire)

3rd - ElvaWilmarie (Edhelwen Beriana)

4th - Brett Kjeller

Caption: Director Bella Denver reviews the jousters ast the Intersim for Best Of Helm Award.

ACADEMY BALL

Afterwards the Academy Anniversary Ball was held at the DDA DragonPit, where the Best in Red theme continued late into the night to the tunes of DJ DDA GoldLance, Jazz Barrowstone

​Caption: A hot time was had by attendees at the Academy Ball in the DragonPit.

SATURDAY JOUST

The Saturday Joust of October 24 featured a special Dragon Joust. All participants received a free ‘wearble’ dragon mount and faced not only the challenger but the ‘FLAMING FIRES OF FATE’ as official Forester Lowenhart called the matchups. Winners of the event were:

Caption: Jousters on their dragon mounts line up before the joust for a group picture.

1st - Hacker Jannings

2nd - Stormy Summerwind

3rd - HeartfulLady

4th - TheresaLynn08

All attendees received a special commemorative ‘Dragon Holder’ for displaying their award plaques.

Caption: Queen Stormy Summerwind charges down the list struck by challenger Orianna Varner.

2015 COMMENCEMENT

DDA Membership has seen a 30% rise this year, and 14 new graduates of the Cadet, Certification and Master programs were honored at Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday. Here is a short replay of the gala event.

WELCOME

Headmaster Forester welcomed all to the Commencement Ceremonies honoring those who teach and learn.

“The more I look over the years the Academy has been in operation, the more I realize the DDA is not any one person, but all of those who have given their time, and energy to teach and learn from others.”

Caption: Opening slide welcoming attendees.​

“Soon we will honor those who learn, but before we do, I would like to honor those who teach, by presenting the DDA annual service awards for 2015.”

SERVICE AWARDS

Service awards were given to faculty for their year of service. Those honored were:

BRETT KJELLER, Instructor

“We can all recall favorite instructor we have had, who left a mark… I am speaking of those whose dedication to helping us understand helped us grow and develop… prowess in competition is one of the key components of training at the Academy. This past year, he has worked tirelessly to hold classes on Joust every Wednesday to help develop the jousting skills of any and all.”

Caption: Service Award

QUEEN NAKAJIMA, Program Advisor

"Every once and awhile someone uses their own cadet experience as a touchstone to help others they mentor… Our next recipient found much to praise about the DDA program and offered concrete suggestions on making the Cadet report more navigable to new members. Queen was also instrumental in proposing and organizing the new DDA Jousting Team the "Red dragons".

KALI V RAHU, Dean of Admissions

“Anyone who attends her inspiring Orientation is moved by the dedication to a code much larger then our selves. What you may not know is her efforts on behalf of every jouster in SL. If you ever check the League joust results on the Jousting League website, thank her. She is the tireless tracker of every cadet and alumni's joust progress. A service she also extends to all hosts and jousters in the community.”

NEPHILIM VENTRIS, Dean of Joust

“He has served as the DDA's tireless champion in more ways then joust. His dedication to the code and principals the Academy represents has been shared with many who call upon him as friend and counselor. The relationships he has forged with all has lead to better event scheduling and cooperation in the community as well as quality tournaments and innovative new lists and lances.”

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

It was also announced, that Nephiim Ventris would be taking on a new role at the Academy as Director of Development over such areas as Community Relations and Training & Tournament Quality.

He gave the Commencement Address to the graduation class of 2015.

Caption: Dean Nephilim giving the Commencement Address.

“Cadets, you are entering a marvelous journey full of adventure and experiences. I was once where you are now, starting fresh in the Academy. I never thought it would have taken me as far as I've come but I will say, you get out of it what you put into it. There are times that can be trying in tournament or maybe in the practices but persevere, push forward and excel and I promise you a fantastic adventure!

Alumni, you have proven your desire to complete the course and continue your education either for yourself, a realm a King or Queen. Your education allows for you to teach and help the newer folks along their path, to become better combatants and gain the experience you need to advance.

Faculty, my family. Brothers and Sisters without you we could'nt do it. Each of you has been a most integral part in both the school and my life. As we have grown together, so has my love for you as a Family. I could'nt ask for better folks to work side by side with daily. I am sooo Proud to be able to stand as one among you, it is indeed an Honor.”

Also announced were new instructors at the Academy

Decimus Invictus, Guest Instructor – Thursday Sword Melee class (Beginning November each 2nd/4th week of month) @ 6pm (TP MELEE @ DDA)

Hacker Jannings, Assistant Instructor – Tuesday Archery Targets (Beginning November 3 each 1st week of month) and Tuesday Archery Hunt (Beginning November 10 each 3rd week of month). Both begin at 5:30pm (TP TARGETS or HUNT)

Lady Orianna Vaner, Assistant Instructor & Captain of the DDA Joust Team –Joust class (Wednesday each week of month @ 5:30pm (TP JOUST I)

GRADUATION CEREMONY

Hosting the Graduation Commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2015 was Dean of Admissions, KaliVRahu.

“The thing that stands out most to me is the Code of Honor that we all vow to live by. The Academy‚ Code of Honor forms the foundation and guiding principals for all JOURNEYS. These are based on tried and true values and updated for our modern times to apply equally to all RP races, genders or alignments.

The Knight's goal is to progress by learning through experience. A Knight's skills include good character, honor, courtesy, service to others, combat mobility and a range of weapon skills and knowledge, all governed by a Code of Chivalry.”

16 diplomas were given for completion of programs at the Academy:

CADET GRADUATES

Stormy Summerwind

FinnRoryAudion

Jazz Barrowstone

HackerJannings

TheresaLynn08

Nyza Stillwater

Pitch Svoboda

Brett Kjeller

Leo Ravenheart

Queen Nakajima

GOLDLANCE CERTIFICATIONS

Jazz Barrowstone

Queen Nakajima

MASTERS OF JOUST

Nyza Stillwater

Stormy Summerwind

Littlebigtrouble

Queen Nakajima

Caption: Headmaster Forester congratulates Cadet Graduate Queen Stormy Summerwind.​

STUDENT VALEDICTORIAN

Queen Nakajima was the Valedictorian of the graduating class, receiving degrees in all three programs. She spoke to her fellow graduates on students activities.

“Today is not about endings, but beginnings. A commencement of new efforts.

We commit ourselves to rigorous effort, correct training, and perseverance so that we may continue to follow the path our former students pioneered.

We know, as a result, we will grow in strength and character and in so doing be better prepared to serve others. For service to others is the greatest form of leadership. Thank you, and God Bless our Academy”

Caption: Queen Nakajima, Valectorian addresses fellow graduates.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Joust Instructor Brett Kjeller awarded Awards of Excellence to a number of DDA alumni who have distinguished themselves through excellent performance DDA community competitive events by placing in the TOP 10 last season or current season.

“These awards are to honor DDA members who have followed the path to the level of Alumni and placed within the top 10 in the current or last season for DDA Jousts.”

“I have watched as Cadets have come and gone. Some finding that the path was not theirs, others feeling that the path was too steep. Some of you here today have faced great strife in your personal life and yet you are here. Through determination, stubbornness or whatever you hath found to drive you, you have stayed and risen to the challenge to better yourself and take a few others with you on the way. I commend your valor, I commend your determination, I commend your honor!”

Those honored were:

Nephilim Ventris

KaliVRahu

Queen Nakajima

Ricci Juliesse

TheresaLynn08

Nyza Stillwater

Brett Kjeller

Caption: Award of Excellence given by Brett Kjeller to KaliVRahu

Not all honorees could attend the event but each had previously rececived their diploma and rewards. To end the DDA Anniversary ceremonies, the faculty made a grand procession in full DDA Jousting Team regalia to the stage admist a fireworks display and celebration music.

Best wishes to the class of 2015 and the Anniversary celebrating the DDA’s 6th year!

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