Middle and Upper School students gathered in Chapel on Thursday, Nov. 7, for the annual Edward H. Vick, Jr. '62 Veterans Day Chapel. Watch here.
Lt. R. Andrew McGuinness, USNR '11 was introduced by Mr. Vick who shared, "In Andrew McGuinness, we see the full spirit of Episcopal Academy. A commitment to service, excellence, and leadership that has carried him from our classrooms to the U.S. Navy and beyond."
Lt. McGuinness said it was "truly great" to return to EA to speak at Veterans Day Chapel. He recognized all who have served in the American armed forces, including EA alumni in attendance.
"As we reflect on that service, I think it ties in perfectly with your Chapel theme this year. Reflecting on this theme, I realized that while mistakes are inevitable, our true power lies in the growth and learning gained from them."
Lt. McGuinness shared stories of growing up and his years as an Episcopal student. "I was never the smartest student in the classroom. On the squash court, I lost more matches than I care to remember. In fact, when our team won the second national high school championship my senior year, I lost every single match."
He went on to explain that each of his failures was not an endpoint but instead "golden opportunities to learn and improve."
Lt. McGuinness encouraged students to "take" from those moments and grow. He also pointed out the importance of service and giving back to the country. "Service doesn't have to mean joining the military. It can be anything from volunteering in your community, helping those in need, or finding ways to make a difference through your skills and passions."
And, as students look toward the future, Lt. McGuinness explained that the values learned at EA and the Stripes "will be what carry you forward. Honesty, Courage, Kindness, and Respect are more than ideals. They are qualities that, as leaders, you can use to make a positive impact on the world."
Lt. McGuinness attended the U.S. Naval Academy where he majored in Oceanography and captained the Division I squash team. Upon graduation, Lt. McGuinness launched his naval career aboard the USS Cape St. George in San Diego, as the Strike Warfare Officer. He later served aboard the USS San Jacinto as an Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, overseeing critical ASW tactics and training exercises.
In May 2024, Lt. McGuinness graduated from Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law. His accomplishments in law school led to his selection for the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He will begin his next assignment as a Navy attorney in Japan in the spring of 2025.