The goal of RMA is to prepare students for college by raising them to be upstanding citizens in an environment of academic rigor, determination in athletics and the arts, and care for the community. Tyler Strandberg of the 2005 graduating class perfectly embodied the spirit of RMA. 

She was a diligent scholar, dedicated athlete, and kind soul. She had a big heart and shared her love and joy with everyone. After RMA, Tyler continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to get a degree in Psychology. Then, she went out west to Jackson Hole, Wyoming where she worked at a ranch for troubled youth. She had a powerful love for the outdoors and activities such as hiking, running, fishing, and skiing. In August of 2015, Tyler passed away while doing what she loved most, climbing the Grand Tetons. While she is no longer here physically, the memory of Tyler and her bubbly personality still enchants the lives of many today.       

In honor of Tyler, the class of 2005, with the dedicated leadership of Will Kornegay, decided to dedicate a playground called Tyler’s Peak. Tyler’s Peak, located behind C and E buildings, represents the Tetons. Children can play on mock rock formations and enjoy the many features of the playground. 

The laughter of the children can be heard all the way from the tennis courts Tyler used to play on! Funds for the playground were raised during the auction, from private donations, and through the Tyler’s Peak Tennis Tournament. The up-and-down-the-river style tournament has raised money for the playground and provided a fun day of tennis for students and adults for two years and counting! The official unveiling of the playground took place at this year’s tournament, and the family and friends of Tyler all got to experience the touching moment.

The most recent features added to the playground include Tyler’s skis and a directional post showing the distance to some of Tyler’s favorite and most-visited destinations.

The playground is a perfect way for Tyler’s memory to continue improving the lives of children and portraying the beauty of nature.

The younger generations in the After School Enrichment program use the playground the most. 

The children can be seen running, jumping, and screeching for joy as they enjoy the playground after long days of school. 

Hannah Ross, a Pre-K student, says she likes “to jump from little rock to little rock. It feels like my home.” 
Her classmates, Kaila and Saumya, like to “climb on the rocks and run in the sun. We play in the sun and pretend the sand has chickens. We feed the chickens sand, and we pretend it is seeds. Sometimes we get tired, and then we just keep running in the sun.”