Category Archives: Events

Culver Academy Reunion Photos: Garrison Parade

On Saturday afternoon, the weather changed and it turned out to be a beautiful day. Actually, it was a little miserable when the rain moved out, as it became very hot and humid. With the clear skies, however, the Reunion Weekend Garrison Parade took place on Culver’s main parade field that overlooks Lake Maxinkuckee. The cadets and coeds (Girls Flag Corp) looked great and put on a parade that would make any alum proud.

For all of our local fans out there, I’ve included a shot of our very own summer icon Dusty Hendricks as he marched by in review. With only 3 members of his class in attendance, you can tell from the smile on his face that it didn’t distract him from having a fun weekend.

I’ve posted some photos here. Others are located at http://www.culverphotos.com/2010alumniparade.

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Culver Indiana Photography: Tour de Max

Yesterday morning started early for Ginny and me, especially given it was a Saturday. We were up at 6 a.m. and out the door by 7 a.m. We were asked to be the photographers for the local chapter of Tri Kappa’s annual Tour de Max. Each year, Tri Kappa holds its Tour de Max, which is a fun ride for cyclists and draws over 150 participants from the surrounding states. This year, Karen Heim and her Tri Kappa sisters did a great job of organizing the event. The parking lot at the town park was almost full when we arrived, and when we quit shooting at 11:00, it was completely full. Riders had the option of cycling set courses of 10, 30, or 63 miles long. All rides started with a scenic ride around Lake Maxinkuckee. If riding one of the longer courses, the riders continued into the beautiful country roads that surround Culver. (If you are a follower of my blog, you’ve probably seen some of the scenic discoveries that Ginny and I have come across as we wander the country roads looking for things to photograph.) We had a good time setting ourselves up at various locations. We also shot some of the SAG stops where riders check in and get refreshments. It was a beautiful day and we had a good time shooting the riders. We hope they had as much fun as we did!

We are donating all proceeds from photo sales from yesterday’s event. We’ve posted some photos here. There are over 300 more located at www.culverphotos.com/2010tourdemax.

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Culver Academy Photography: Garrison Parade

What a beautiful day (not today…Sunday) for a parade! On Sunday (Mother’s Day), Culver Academy had great weather for their weekly parade. The main parade field in front of the Riding Hall overlooking Lake Maxinkuckee was dry enough that they did not have to use their alternate field as they have done a few times this Spring. The cadets looked good and the Band sounded great. I didn’t see any issues with the Troop or their horses, and all the trucks of the Battery started. (When I attended Culver, there was always about a 50% chance that one of the trucks would not start back up after shutting them down for the ceremony.) All and all, it was a very smooth parade.

I’ve posted some photos here. Others are located at www.culverphotos.com/5_9_10_parade.

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Culver Indiana Photography: Donkey Basketball

This evening, I went to the CCHS gym to watch and photograph donkey basketball. Having never seen this sport before, I really had no idea of what to expect. Even now after sitting through several games, I don’t think that I’ll do it justice to describe it. Donkey basketball is a hoot to watch as it is more about trying  to get on and stay on the donkeys. Once on, trying to get them to move is quite a challenge. One of the best moments came in the beginning when I was checking my camera and the announcer came on the loud speaker and said quite loudly, “so-and-so is making a break for it”. I looked up to see a man with the basketball leading 7 other donkeys as he went toward the opposite end. Of course, he and the 7 other donkeys and riders were moving at the blinding pace that I could have past them had I been crawling along the ground. Things would progress at this rate until the man that cared for the donkeys would bang a stick against the ground and the animals would go nuts. Some would run, some would buck, and others reared. As I’m sure that you can see in the photos, I was not the only person laughing my butt off. If the whole event weren’t funny enough to begin with, add to it the fact that the “players” were Culver’s Police Cheif and an officer, our Town Manager, our Town Clerk, some firemen, teachers, coaches, our local newspaper reporter, and even some high school students.

I’ve posted some photos here. There are hundreds more at www.culverphotos.com/donkeybasketball. If you do visit the website, take notice of the photos of standalone donkeys. These photos came about whenever the donkeys threw their riders and managed to escape for a minute or two.

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Culver Indiana Photographer: Relay For Life 2010

Ginny and I attended Relay for Life as photographers this year. We are donating all purchased pictures to Relay for Life. Following are scenes from what turned out to be a great evening. The guest of honor was Adam Vinatieri who was a gracious person. He spoke at the event and then walked several laps. He also signed footballs and talked to several of the participants. Several keynote speakers, including survivors spoke at the event. Last I heard, they were getting close to their goal for this year’s event. If you want to purchase pictures, visit Culverphotos.com and look under Community Events.

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Culver Academy Horsemanship Photos: Cupid’s Challenge 2010

This weekend, the Culver Academy JV and Varsity Jumping teams hosted the 2010 Cupid’s Challenge Horse Show. This is an annual show at Culver’s Riding Hall in which 7 or 8 teams teams travel to Culver to participate. I believe that Culver placed well overall, though with 14 classes competeting on both Friday and Saturday, I’m honestly not sure what the final results ended up being. I do know from talking with several of the parents and coaches from the visiting teams that the kids love this show and look forward to it each year. I’d like to recognize everyone that works in the Horsemanship Department for a great tournament, as this truly was a group effort on their part to put on this show. It is also worth noting that the Lady Equestrienne Team from Notre Dame graciously came down for the weekend to assist.

I’ve posted a few of my favorite photographs here; there are over a thousand more located on CulverPhotos at http://www.culverphotos.com/cupid2010 

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Culver Academy Photographer: Garrison Parade

It was another great day for a parade! Two Sundays in a row, the weather has cooperated with sunny skies. Once again, the corp of cadets and coeds looked surprisingly good considering how early in the school year it is. For this parade, not only were the troops and batteries mounted, but the girls flag corp was also included. This parade was the final event of the 2009 Fall Parent’s Weekend. I’ve included some photos here; there are many more at www.culverphotos.com.

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Culver Academy Parent’s Weekend Photos: Fall Ball

As part of Parent’s Weekend, one of the two formal dances held on campus highlights Saturday night. During the dance, there is an exibition put on by the officers that dates back to Culver’s origins and ties into their military heritage. This exibition is call “Officer’s Figure,” which involves both the students’ dates and their mothers. It truly is unique thing to watch as the officers are in their full Dress As and they march through a precision routine. Standing on the sidelines, I can always tell the people who have never watched Officer’s Figure. If you’ve never seen one, I encourage you to witness it sometime. I’ve posted some photos here though there are many more in the Student Life, Leadership section on www.culverphotos.com.

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Culver Academy Horsemanship Photos: Eqestrienne Performance

Another great performance for the CGA Equestriennes. Coach Lynn Rasch and the girls should be proud that they can pull together such great performances this early in the year. I’ve posted a few photos here though there are many more at www.culverphotos.com.

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Culver Academy Parent’s Weekend Photos: Four Gun Drill

This evening the Four Gun Drill was one of the Honor Organizations to perfrom at Culver Academy’s Riding Hall during the Fall 2009 Parent’s Weekend. Here are some of my favorite photographs; more are posted at www.culverphotos.com under the “Honor Groups” section.

 

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