Mr. Rory DuPont
Chairman of Board of Directors
Education and Degrees:
- BS in Chemistry & Botany, UF, Gainesville, FL - 2000
- Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor, Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), Fallon, NV - 2006
- MBA, focus in International Marketing, TUI, Cypress, CA - 2009
- Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Instructor, FAA - 2010
- Aviation Safety Officer, USN Safety School, Pensacola, FL - 2012
- Air Command & Staff College, USAF - 2020
Occupational Experience:
Rory is a 3rd generation Naval Aviator. He received his commission as an officer in 2000, and continues to serve today as a Captain in the Naval Reserve. He’s flown the F/A-18, F-5, and T-45 as an instructor pilot over multiple combat tours and aircraft carrier deployments. In 2012, he and his family moved to Bogotá, Colombia for a short time to work for the American Embassy in Diplomatic Affairs. In 2013, in order to focus more on family, Rory joined the Naval Reserve and began work as a performance consultant & business development lead for Latin America at Check-6 Int’l, Inc. Meanwhile, Rory continued flying and pursuing his Naval career with multiple command tours, to include Commanding Officer of Fighter Composite Squadron 111 in Key West, FL (2018), Commander of Training Air Wing One Reserve in Meridian, MS (2020), and now as Commander of the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Reserve in Fallon, NV (2022). He also flies for Delta Air Lines as an international Airbus 350 pilot and supports the family business as chief pilot of Blue Side Up, LLC flight school in Knoxville, TN.
Message to parents:
Fellow parents of future saints, I’ve been amazed to watch and learn how well the union of classical education and contemporary core standards is achieved in the Chesterton Academy model. My wife and I desired very much that our own children be prepared for the world of today yet remain anchored in the wisdom and beauty of our rich faith, world history, and by a relevant cross-section of scientific and philosophical disciplines. It’s truly remarkable how all of these come together in this unique curriculum; as well as how the house-system has helped our children to thrive and flourish. I wish I was 14 again to enroll!
A large number in our community have put their best foot forward to bring a Chesterton Academy to Knoxville; recognizing its mission is one the world needs now, while trusting it will gracefully complement the already wonderful faith education our Parish and Diocesan leaders shepherd for the faithful of Knoxville.
If you too are trying to raise saints, I encourage you to contact our Executive Director or Head Master to schedule a visit.
Extracurricular Activities:
My wife, Carolina, and I have three children, two boys and one girl. Our oldest attends Franciscan University, and the younger two are at the Chesterton Academy preparing for college. We enjoy hiking the Smokies, flying, hunting, camping, fishing, and cooking. Carolina supports multiple church ministries, to include leading the local Fidelis chapter. I am a member of the Knights of Columbus, Troops of St. George, and a Captain in Fraternus. My work with Delta has allowed us to travel all over the world and participate in the international community of the faithful, observing firsthand their beautiful works. Despite a wide breadth of commitments and activities, we are passionate about putting our faith at the forefront of all that we do. A priority that can also be seen in every corner of student life as a Crusader.
Contact Information:
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or requests you have.
(865) 398-5277
Carolina DuPont
Board Member
Education and Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish, University of Florida - 2001
Occupational Experience:
- Spanish teacher - May Sands Montessori School - 2012-2013
- Spanish teacher (K-8th grade) - The Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Key West, FL - 2012-2016
- 5th Grade teacher- The Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Key West, FL - 2013
- Grade English teacher (6th-8th) - The Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Key West, FL - 2015-2017
- Youth director- The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea- Key West, FL - 2015-2018
- The Gabriel Project Ministry Co-director - The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea - Key West, FL
Message to parents:
The greatest legacy we can pass on to our children in this lifetime is our Catholic faith through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Once we know this, everything we do starts to point towards right relationship with Christ and we order our life towards leaving this legacy. This is why the Chesterton Academy is so important to me. It is important that our children learn with the Incarnation of Christ at the heart of every subject and in an environment that supports the faith and morals that we are working to instill at home, too.
St. Josemaria Escriva said, “Not all of us can become rich, wise, or famous. Yet, all of us, yes, all of us, are called to be saints.” We are here to form our future saints and we hope you join us!
Extracurricular Activities:
I am a wife to Rory and the mother of our three amazing children. My best days have been spent at home raising my three children and being an active part of their faith formation and education. Our oldest son attends Franciscan University and we have our other two enrolled in the Chesterton Academy.
When I am not volunteering my time, I enjoy cooking and spending time at home with my family and friends. I love to go hiking, paddleboarding, and kayaking. I love to travel and explore our faith and its rich traditions all over the world with my family.
Contact Information: