Front & Center News from Fork Union Military Academy – March 1, 2024

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Jostens will be back on campus, Monday, November 6th during the lunch periods for those cadets that still want to order a FUMA class Ring. At this time, they can pick out a ring, get sized, and fill out an order form. Once this is completed, our Jostens representative will call parents for the deposit. These cadets will be presented with their rings at a special Ring Ceremony in the Spring. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. White at whiter@fuma.org.

Stories in this issue:

• COL Tripp Billingsley Announces His Retirement Following 33 Years of Service at Fork Union Military Academy
• Fork Union Military Academy Shines at 46th Military School Band and Choir Festival
• Bravo Zulu Awards for February 23, 2024
• Happy Birthday to the February Babies
• This Week's College Acceptances
• Fork Union Military Academy Cadets Explore Diverse Career Paths at Luck Companies Shadow Day
• Mrs. Joshlyn Resek Recognized as Teacher of the Term for Term 3
• Upcoming Admissions Events
• Do you want to be a part of our Cadet Corps?

COL Tripp Billingsley Announces His Retirement Following 33 Years of Service at Fork Union Military Academy

CAPT Mark Black, USN (Ret.), the President of Fork Union Military Academy, announced this week that the school is initiating a national search to fill the role of the Academy's top development officer as COL Tripp Billingsley, the school's longtime Director of Advancement will be retiring at the end of the school year on June 30, 2024.

"It will take an extraordinary effort to identify the right candidate to lead our development efforts and steward our relationships with our alumni, benefactors, and FUMA family moving forward," stated CAPT Black, "because someone as extraordinary as Tripp Billingsley cannot easily be replaced. Tripp's talents and vast institutional knowledge have served the Academy well throughout the past four decades and we are forever grateful for his leadership, particularly with the recent celebration of the Academy’s 125th anniversary, and for the sterling example he has set."

The Billingsley family history at Fork Union began with Joseph A. Billingsley, Sr., who graduated in the Class of 1909 when the school was still officially named Fork Union Academy. Joseph A. Billingsley, Jr. attended in 1935 and 1936, playing postgraduate baseball for Coach Rosie Thomas. Tripp Billingsley (Joseph A. Billingsley, III) first arrived at Fork Union Military Academy as a postgraduate football player in the Class of 1977, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him. His brother, Jack, arrived to play postgraduate basketball for Coach Fletcher Arritt in the Class of 1979. Tripp's nephew, Jack's son Joseph B. Billingsley, is currently at Fork Union playing postgraduate basketball for Coach Bob Williams, continuing the Billingsley legacy.

Are you a lacrosse alumnus? Play in our Alumni Lacrosse Game on May 4!

🥍 Calling all Fork Union Military Academy Lacrosse alumni! 🥍

Get ready to dust off your sticks and lace up your cleats because the Alumni Lacrosse Game is back! Join us on Saturday, May 4, 2024, for a thrilling day of lacrosse action and nostalgia during Alumni Weekend.

• 📅 Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
• 🕒 Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Stadium Field

Reconnect with old teammates, reminisce about your glory days on the field, and show off your skills once again! Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned veteran, this is your chance to showcase your love for the game and support our academy.

Spread the word, tag your teammates, and let's make this year's Alumni Lacrosse Game one for the books! See you there! 🎉

To ensure you have a comfortable stay during the weekend, we have partnered with some fantastic hotels in the area. Click the button to find a list of hotels offering special room blocks exclusively for our alumni. Don't miss out on securing your spot, as rooms go fast!

Fork Union Military Academy Shines at 46th Military School Band and Choir Festival

This past weekend, 14 of our talented musicians, accompanied by our dedicated band directors, embarked on a remarkable journey to the 46th Military School Band and Choir Festival hosted at Virginia Military Institute. This annual extravaganza serves as a platform where Military Secondary Schools and Colleges from across the nation, including Virginia, California, Missouri, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, converge to showcase their musical prowess in band, choir, and bagpipes. Moreover, each participating institution sends forth their drum majors to engage in a spirited competition, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The festival is not merely a showcase of musical talents; it's a celebration of camaraderie and healthy competition, where cadets from diverse backgrounds forge connections and share experiences amidst a backdrop of melodious harmony.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, our cadets showcased exceptional talent, earning accolades and recognition. Cadet Moses Rattin, a junior in his third year, stood out with his outstanding performance, clinching a medal for achieving the highest rhythm percussion score. Throughout the weekend, Cadet Rattin demonstrated exemplary leadership as the section leader of the rhythm percussion ensemble, commanding instruments such as the snare drum, bass drum, and cymbals with finesse.

Another remarkable achievement came from Cadet Jonathan Farmer, a senior in his third year, who clinched a gold medal by securing first place in the fiercely contested drum major competition. The competition, which featured drum majors from military high schools and colleges nationwide, subjected participants to rigorous evaluation criteria encompassing command presence, mace work, and command delivery.

Music director John Warren expressed his pride in the exceptional performances of all instrumentalists, highlighting the invaluable contributions of assistant band directors Mrs. Brynn Welch and Mrs. Maggie Gaeth, whose unwavering support was instrumental in ensuring the success of the weekend's endeavors. Warren also extended appreciation to the standout performers who, though not receiving medals, significantly contributed to the overall success of the school:

• Cadet Jared Mayuga – 2nd chair Clarinet
• Cadet Solomon Brown – 2nd chair Rhythm Percussion
• Cadet Joseph Athey – 3rd chair Baritone Saxophone
• Cadet Sheldon Kates-Offord – 3rd chair Trombone

In addition to individual accolades, the collective effort of our cadets resulted in a historic milestone as Fork Union Military Academy was honored with the prestigious Ronald L. Horton Award for the first time. The award, named in honor of Major Ronald L. Horton, recognizes the school best prepared for the festival based on the highest mean audition score on chair placement auditions.

Looking ahead, Warren expressed confidence in the dedication of our cadets as they gear up for future endeavors, including the forthcoming festival at the Army and Navy Academy in California. As the cadets set their sights on the horizon, Warren emphasized the importance of maintaining their commitment to excellence, buoyed by the experiences and achievements garnered at the festival.

In closing, Warren reiterated his pride in the stellar performances of our cadets, affirming their unwavering commitment to upholding the legacy of Fork Union Military Academy with distinction. With sights set on future endeavors, including an upcoming excursion to Disney, the cadets stand poised to conquer new heights, fueled by their passion for music and unwavering determination.

Bravo Zulu Awards for February 23, 2024

The Fork Union Military Faculty and Staff meet to nominate those who have exceeded the standards and demonstrated superlative performance. Whilst we have various awards and recognitions – a simple “Well Done!” we hope, is also appreciated. The combination of the Bravo and Zulu nautical signal flags, i.e., Bravo Zulu, also referred to as "BZ," is a naval signal, typically conveyed by flag hoist or voice radio, meaning "Well Done" with regard to actions, operations, or performance. The following are the Bravo Zulu awards for 23 February 2024:

ETN1(SS) John Warren led the Band to a resounding victory at last weekend’s 46th Military School Band and Choir Festival at Virginia Military Institute. This year, for the first time, Fork Union Military Academy was awarded the Ronald L. Horton Award. This award is presented to the high school that is best prepared for the festival based on the highest mean audition score on chair placement auditions. In addition, Cadet Moses Rattin received 1st chair for percussion and Cadet Jonathan Farmer was awarded a gold medal for 1st place in the drum major competition. Several other cadets received 2nd or 3rd chair in their performances.

On top of this, ETN1(SS) Warren planned and organized the entire event, serving as Head of the Military School Band Association. In this role, he coordinates between Military Secondary School and College Band, Choir, (and now bagpipe) programs to help the programs grow and flourish. Hooyah and Bravo Zulu, ETN1(SS) Warren!

Go FUMA!

Mark E. Black | CAPT, USN (Ret.)

Congratulations, ETN1(SS) Warren!

Fork Union's Interact Club to Host Rise Against Hunger Event

🗓 Friday, April 26, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Fork Union Military Academy's Interact Club is teaming up with Fluvanna County High School and the Fluvanna County Rotary Club to host a Rise Against Hunger event right here on campus!

• 📅 Date: Friday, April 26
• 🕒 Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Estes Athletic Center

Join us for an impactful day as we come together to package nutritious meals for those in need around the world. This collaborative effort highlights the power of community and service, embodying the spirit of our academy's values.

By partnering with Fluvanna County High School and the Rotary Club, we aim to amplify our impact and make a difference on a global scale. It's a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in meaningful service projects and cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion.

Let's unite our efforts and work towards a world without hunger. Together, we can make a difference! If you would like to register for this event or made a donation, please click the link below:

Phonathon is a special fundraising event at Fork Union where cadets, alumni, parents, and friends have the opportunity to come together for the school they admire. We hope that you will take part in this event by answering the phone March 18th through 28th.

Talk to the young men you support, tell them your Fork Union stories, give them a challenge, update your information, and help build a strong future for Fork Union by donating to our Academy Fund. We look forward to talking to you soon!

If you would prefer to make your donation in advance, you can do so by visiting www.forkunion.com/phonathon.

This Week's College Acceptances

It's that time of year again when our seniors get the exciting news of college acceptances!

Our goal each year is that 100% of our seniors gain college acceptance. Each year, our seniors work hard with the College Placement and Academic Services team under the leadership of the department's Director, Kelsey Hill, and the Assistant Director, Dr. James Benson.

Check out this week's acceptances!

Honor Roll for Term 3 of the 2023-2024 School Year

Cadets who perform well academically in their class studies each grading term, receiving grades of B- or better as their final grade for the term, are named to the Honor Roll by COL Mike Goad, the Academic Dean of Fork Union Military Academy.

Here is the Honor Roll for Term 3 of the 2023-2024 academic year:

Grade: 7

• Francisco Ortiz
• Ethan Wells

Grade: 8

• Everett Amos
• Asher Athar
• Ryder Carignan
• Ryan Hunt
• Dominic Jackson
• Rohan Jonnala
• Joshua Kennedy
• Austin Knowlton
• Brody Miles
• Joseph Moreno
• Ian Nizeyimana
• Benedict Noller
• Joshua Preston
• Bradley Ray
• Eeziyah Velez
• Gregory Wells III
• Elijah White
• Kaydan Whiteside
• Kebron Zulla

Grade: 9

• Jayden Anderson
• Josiah Andrade
• Adley Angelidi
• Braden Arenella
• Riley Belden
• Nico Brown
• Caden Canedo
• James Cluff
• David Eaton
• Balin Frerichs
• Alex Gibson
• Adrian Gomez
• Cameron Gray
• Jeremy Herron
• Alex Jackson
• Tyran Johnson
• Elliott Jones
• Levi Jones
• Gabriel Keener
• Destin Lamadrid-Burkett
• Christian Lopez
• Jase McClung
• Joshua McGuire
• David Mehl
• Ronan Montes
• Traycen Morgan
• Tyson Morris
• Kenneth Radtke
• Javier Rosa
• Isaiah Schnuckel
• Kadin Stremlau
• Connor Tarrant
• Elijah Watson
• Zhichen Xie

Grade: 10

• Mason Alston
• Robert Callahan
• Colton Childers
• Nicholas Coleman
• Zaden Cottam
• Francisco Duarte
• Haggai Dulo Jr.
• Bilguun Enkhtur
• Tyler Hill
• Nhan Hoang
• Elijah Hunt
• Landyn Johnson
• Val Kelestyn
• Isaiah Kittrell
• Shaun Matthews
• Isaiah McDaniel
• Yannick McLean
• Julius Mondesir
• Matthias Moyer
• Josue Mukendi
• Christian Mukhisa
• Charles Osborn
• Chrysander Rahardjo
• Ellis Roberts
• Brandon Scheel Jr.
• Jackson Sereno
• Godwin Vander Weide
• Isaia Vilardo
• Cooper Williams
• Taylor Williams

Grade 11:

• Alexander Abron
• Daley Adams
• Joseph Athey
• Benjamin Block
• Luke Boucher-Zazzaro
• Solomon Brown
• Maddox Caddell
• Seth Cella
• Ian Egbert
• Miles Graybill
• Lucius Havens
• James Hu
• Sean Hurley
• Bowofoluwa Immanuel
• Davion Johnson
• Josiah Johnson
• Matthew Jordan
• Sheldon Kates-Offord
• Philippe Lianavwa Jr.
• Laine Luke
• Chandler Nelson
• Mason Ng
• Christopher O'Connor
• Samuel Okoturo
• John Parks
• Niv Patel
• Jyvion Perkins
• Simon Price
• Moses Rattin
• Jaheim Scott
• Mekyi Shepard
• Allan Smith
• Carmelo Spaulding
• Vu Tran
• Nicholas Venhorst
• Malachi Walsh
• Levi Wikoff
• Nicholas Willis
• Jaimin Woods

Grade: 12

• Christopher Acosta-Serrano
• Jonie-Galton Ansah
• Jafar Bah
• Ayden Bland
• Charles Bost
• Jaxon Brooks-Powell
• Lucian Brucker
• Benjamin Burtram
• Kadin Busser
• Jacob Clodfelter
• John Cottey III
• Gordon Currey
• Sebastian Espino Jimenez Jr.
• Jonathan Farmer
• Jayden Ginty
• William Girod
• Seth Groelz
• Abdul Gueye
• George Gurney
• Laith Haddad
• Phillip Johnson
• Juan Leyva Saavedra
• Tyler Manglicmot
• Nehemiah Mayuga
• Aaron McDaniel
• Hunter McDonnell
• Tucker Miller
• Everett Mitchell
• Harry Momolu
• Daouda Niang
• Kenny Nzamwita
• David Owen
• Thinh Pham
• Jaydn Pieron
• Pranav Puchakayala
• Pierce Roberts
• Clayton Rosen
• Dylan Rwagasana
• Ethan Schroyer
• Emerson Smith
• Matthew Snyder
• Matthew Spence
• Isaiah Stewart
• Kameron Taylor
• Emanuel Teklu
• Isac Toure

Grade: PG

• Jordan Anderson
• Omarion Barber
• Joseph Billingsley
• David Burnett
• Carmello Cinsere
• DeSean Goode
• Jaden Johnson
• Charlie Tierney Sr.
• Carter Wesson
• Max Williams
• Michael Wilson Jr.

Upcoming Admissions Events

The best way to learn about Fork Union Military Academy is to schedule an appointment with our Admissions Office and come for a family visit and receive your own individual tour of the campus.

We also schedule a number of Admissions Events on campus and in various cities and regions throughout the year.

Saturday, March 9 | Admissions Event in Charlotte, NC

• Interested in learning more about Fork Union Military Academy? An Admissions Team representative will be in Charlotte, NC on Saturday, March 9, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for an Admissions Event held at Providence Country Club located at: 6001 Providence Country Club Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277. Registration for this event is required.

Sunday, March 10 | Admissions Event in Raleigh, NC

• Interested in learning more about Fork Union Military Academy? An Admissions Team representative will be in Raleigh, NC on Sunday, March 10th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, for an Admissions Event held at Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport-Brier Creek Hotel located at: 8021 Arco Corporate Drive, Raleigh, NC 27617. Registration for this event is required.

Monday, April 1 | Admissions Event in Northern Virginia

• nterested in learning more about Fork Union Military Academy? An admissions team representative will be in the Northern Virginia area on Monday, April 1st from 9 AM to 1 PM, for an Admissions Event held at Black Rifle Coffee Company located at: 591 Warrenton Rd., Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406. Registration for this event is required.

Wednesday, April 10 | Open House on Campus

• We would like to invite you to our Admissions Open House on the campus of Fork Union Military Academy on Wednesday, April 10th, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. You will be able to go on a cadet-led tour of our campus, participate in an information session to learn more about the Academy, speak directly with members of our admissions team to get answers to all of your questions, and enjoy lunch in our dining facility. Registration to this event is required.

Monday, May 27, 2024 | Open House on Campus

• We would like to invite you to our Memorial Day Admissions Open House on the campus of Fork Union Military Academy on Monday, May 27th, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. You will be able to go on a cadet-led tour of our campus, participate in an information session to learn more about the Academy, speak directly with members of our admissions team to get answers to all of your questions, and enjoy lunch in our dining facility. Registration to this event is required.

Do you want to be a part of our Cadet Corps?

Are you a young man in the 7th to 12th grade? Do you want to be a man known for integrity, respect for yourself and others, faith, character, and discipline?

We encourage you to fill out an application for enrollment and join our cadets here at Fork Union Military Academy.

Thank you!