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Stories in this issue:
- Renewing Our Strength - Col. David Coggins
- Fork Union Announces Cadet Leaders for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
- Get to Know the Battalion Commander
- The Academy is Turning 125 Years Old!
- Cadet Leadership Training Highlighted by Fort Pickett
- Get to Know Our Teachers Segment
- Save the Date: Club Rush 2023
- The Conductor's Corner: The FUMA Band
- Upcoming Admissions Events
- Do you want to be a part of our Cadet Corps?
Renewing Our Strength
By: President Colonel David Coggins
This morning (Tuesday, Sept. 5) was the first day of classes for the 2023-2024 school year. Our cadets started the morning with a healthy breakfast in the Estes Dining Hall and then they moved into Wicker Chapel where they were fed in a different way. A devotional service, led by our cadet leaders, opened this school year with prayer and scripture, just as it will open each class day this year. Cadets had their Bibles open to read God's Word and have it feed their spirits just as their bodies had been fed minutes earlier.
At the beginning of each school year, it has been my practice to meet with members of our senior staff and we pray for each cadet and faculty member by name, first name and last name, that the Lord will help us educate, develop, and inspire the young men placed in our care this year. Although I was away from campus today, our cadets and staff are never far from my heart and mind. My prayers are with each and every young man on our campus, and with every single adult who will touch their lives in some way this year.
We are beginning a new work today, just as in the book of Isaiah, when God speaks of "doing a new thing."
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” | Isaiah 43:19
We are making a fresh start, renewed in strength to undertake this new work that we are beginning in this September of 2023. The work we do will have a lasting impact on the lives of the young men in our Corps of Cadets. We are prepared and ready to undertake this new work. Our strength is renewed, and we are eager for the mission that is in front of us. We will not tire in our effort, but will see it through to its positive conclusion.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” | Isaiah 40:31
We say to all—cadets, faculty, and all members of our FUMA family—welcome to this new school year, and... Go FUMA!
In Christ,
Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.) | President | Fork Union Military Academy
Colonel Coggins officially opened the 2023-24 academic year Friday morning at the Wicker Chapel.
Fork Union Announces Cadet Leaders for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Fork Union Military Academy’s Commandant of Cadets GySgt Charlie Coulter announced his cadet leaders for the 2023-2024 academic year in a celebratory ceremony in the Wicker Chapel last week.
The Battalion Staff is made up of 10 cadets, who will be led by the Battalion Commander LTC Ethan Schroyer. Schroyer is the son of Sophie Schroyer of North East, Maryland and is in his fourth year at the Academy. Schroyer is also a recipient of the Trustee Scholarship in which he was awarded in 2020.
Schroyer’s staff includes MAJ Everett Mitchell, CPT Sebastian Espino Jimenez, CPT William Girod, CPT Benjamin Burtram, CPT Daouda Niang, 2LT Miles Graybill, CPT Jadyn Pieron, CPT Dylan Rwagasana and CSM Jacob Clodfelter.
Mitchell is the son of Leslie and Allison Mitchell of Barboursville, Virginia and is in his fourth year at the Academy. He is also a member of the dive team and was named Prep League champion last season. Mitchell will serve as this year’s Battalion Executive Officer.
Espino Jimenez is the son of Hector Baranda and Pilar Nava of Mexico City, Mexico and is in his third year at the Academy. He is also a member of the soccer and swimming and diving teams. Espino will serve as this year’s Battalion S-1: Adjutant.
Girod is the son of Matthew and Luciana Girod of Port Republic, Maryland and is in his fifth year at the Academy. He is also a member of the cross country and track and field programs. Girod will serve as this year’s Battalion S-2: Provost Marshal.
Burtram is the son of Brian and Julie Burtram of Mebane, North Carolina and is in his second year at the Academy. He is also a member of the cross country and track and field programs. Burtram will serve as this year’s Battalion S-3: Operations Officer.
Niang is the son of Maimouna Gueye of Bethesda, Maryland and is in his fourth year at the Academy. He is also a member of the Prep football and track and field teams. Niang will serve as this year’s Battalion S-4: Logistics Officer.
Graybill is the son of Tracy Wang and Jon Graybill of Heath, Texas and is in his fourth year at the Academy. The junior is also a member of the swimming and diving program. Graybill will serve as this year’s Battalion S-4A: Deputy Logistics Officer.
Pieron is the son of Claire and Tyler Pieron of Palmyra, Virginia and is in his third year at the Academy. He is also a member of the cross country and track and field programs. Pieron will serve as this year’s Battalion S-5/6: Public Affairs Officer.
Rwagasana is the son of Chantal Nduwayo and Willy Rwagasana of Kigali, Rwanda and is in his second year at the Academy. He is also a member of the Prep soccer, Prep basketball and Prep baseball teams. Rwagasana will serve as this year’s Battalion S7: Training Officer.
Clodfelter is the son of Marc and Grace Clodfelter of Mickleton, New Jersey and is in his fourth year at the Academy. He is also a member of the swimming and diving program. Clodfelter will serve as this year’s Battalion NCOIC.
Congratulations to these young men!
Let's Meet the Battalion Commander:
LTC Ethan Schroyer
LTC Ethan Schroyer is this year's Battalion Commander. He is the son of Sophie Schroyer of North East, Maryland and is in his fourth year at the Academy. Schroyer is also a recipient of the Trustee Scholarship in which he was awarded in 2020.
Let's get to know Schroyer!
How did you end up at Fork Union Military Academy?
I was born into an Air Force family in South Dakota and lived in six states. During my last year of middle school, my father was stationed at a base in Iraq that faced significant attacks. I decided that I wanted to leave home and pursue a military-regimented life, so with much help from COL Billingsley (The Director of Admissions at the time), I applied for the Trustee Scholarship and entered Fork Union Military Academy in the summer of 2020.
What does it mean to you to be this year’s Battalion Commander?
It is one of the greatest opportunities to listen to others, solve problems, and grow as an individual. I will make many mistakes, and will contribute many positive accomplishments simultaneously, but I am here as a student in the classroom first, and a student-body leader second. This is my last year at the Academy, and I intend to make the largest impact possible while navigating this year.
What is one thing you hope to gain from this experience this year?
I hope to build positive relationships and gain memorable lessons that will follow me if I enter similar circumstances. In essence, we shall see.
What is one thing you would like to see the Corps do under your leadership?
I hope to see the Corps build a sense of purpose and meaning, this is a transition year for the school, and we are in need of strong leaders at all levels. My classmates and I need to understand the opportunity we have to impact the school and lay the foundation for a future of successes.
GySgt Coulter and the Commandant's Department have given me adequate room to develop as a student-leader, and gain feedback on my performance. This Academy is a small but complicated organization, and the mission can only be interpreted by those that have experienced it. Though I hope to see growth in typical cadet inspections and functions, I aim to see a change in the environment and ethos of how we live.
Cadet Leadership Training Highlighted by the Annual Fort Pickett Trip
Fork Union Military Academy embarks on an exciting venture to Fort Pickett each year during Cadet Leadership Training. Selected members of the Corps of Cadets receive invitations to participate in two extra weeks of leadership training prior to the start of the academic year. The group puts their knowledge to the test at Fort Pickett in ways that force them to collaborate, take charge and learn new leadership skills in many different ways.
Battalion S-5/6 CPT Jadyn Pieron of Palmyra, Virginia gave us his perspective on this year’s trip.
Fort Pickett was unique in the way that I was able to see not only the failures, but the success of each group of cadets. Capturing those moments of teamwork, leadership and success was something I thoroughly enjoyed. Being able to share those moments with not only my fellow cadets but the faculty and parents as well was my goal going in.
As someone who hadn't attended the Fort Pickett trip before, it was a great opportunity to get to know the people around me in a way that wouldn't typically present itself during the academic year. In my opinion, Fort Pickett is the part of cadet leadership training that cadets look forward to the most. It gives them the opportunity to demonstrate everything they’ve learned about leadership, problem solving and persevering through adversity throughout the week in a final evaluation to determine how they've developed themselves and the people around them.
Check out CPT Pierson’s photos from this year’s Fort Pickett trip.
It's the Academy's 125th Birthday!
This October, Fork Union Military Academy will mark the celebration of our school's founding in 1898 with a number of special events starting on Friday, October 13 and ending on Sunday, October 15.
Check out the schedule below:
Friday, October 13, 2023
- 3:00 PM | Prep Football vs. Fredericksburg Christian Academy
- 5:00 PM | BBQ Cookout with live music from Bennett Wales, Class of 2009
- 7:00 PM | Fireworks Display
Saturday, October 14, 2023
- 8:00 AM | Fork Union 4-Miler - Register for this event here.
- 11:30 AM | Lunch
- 12:30 PM | Military Spectacle featuring our Band and Drill Team
- 1:30 PM | Snead Hall and Memorial Hall Cornerstone Ceremony
- 6:30 PM | Gala at The Westin Richmond
Sunday, October 15, 2023
- 10:00 AM | Church Service at the Stadium Field
- 11:00 AM | Ribbon Cutting at Press Box & Sabre Square
- 11:30 AM | Group Photos at Stadium Field
- 12:00 PM | Lunch
- 1:30 PM | Parade and Change of Command Ceremony
After the parade there will be a 125th Photo Opportunity for all in attendance, followed by a reception on Sabre Square.
To learn more about the 125th Celebration at Fork Union Military Academy and to register for events, visit the link below:
Get to Know Our Teachers:
Mrs. Lauren Kilpatrick
Mrs. Lauren Kilpatrick is one of several new teachers here at the Academy. She will teach Earth Science and Geometry this year.
Let's get to know Mrs. Kilpatrick!
What brought you to Fork Union Military Academy?
My nephews went to Fork Union and my sister was a nurse here.
What made you want to become a teacher?
I want students to enjoy being lifelong learners.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
The positive and long lasting relationships that I have had with some students. Years later, I have had students come back to touch base.
What makes Fork Union special to you?
The fact that it is a military school. Coming from a family that has served in every war, it just makes me proud and patriotic to be at Fork Union Military Academy.
What other responsibilities do you have a FUMA besides teaching?
SAT Test Prep and coaching sports.
What is one thing the cadets would be surprised to learn about you?
I used to race dirt bikes and compete in motor cross.
Welcome to the Academy, Mrs. Kilpatrick!
Join Us for Club Rush 2023!
On Monday, September 18, cadets and parents will have the opportunity to learn about all the clubs Fork Union Military Academy has to offer! Parents are welcome to come visit with their cadet and learn about all the clubs on Monday evening.
Plus, Food Trucks will be on site and available for purchase.
We hope to see you there!
The Conductor's Corner
Welcome to the Fork Union Military Academy Band’s weekly update! We have a lot that we are doing this year and a lot of extremely motivated students. Every two weeks, the Academy's Band Public Affairs Officer will be writing a short update on how things are going in the band, do individual spotlights or group spotlights. Keep an eye out in the Front & Center for the Conductor’s Corner to see what the band is doing from the cadets’ perspective.
So without further ado, here are the words from our Public Affairs Officer, Cadet Second Lieutenant Niv Patel.
This past week, the band slowed down from our new cadet training schedule. Now equipped with more time and a bit of sanity, the band could focus on fine-tuning instruments and tweaking minor imperfections on the National Anthem and FUMA Men Are We, which we started learning last week. We must also learn the B flat scale which is used as a warmup almost daily.
Something new the band must face is a field show coming up in the next few weeks. Practice will be taking place early in the morning on Saturdays before the temperature gets up to the 90’s. This is something new even for the returners. It is the first time in Fork Union history that a field show is being done at the football field during a live game. We will be performing it at the 125th Celebration, so we have a lot of work to do in a short amount of time!
The band has a lot of practice to do. But with the help of the Drum Major, Cadet Captain Jonathan Farmer, our section captains, and Petty Officer Warren pushing us till if feels like we can't walk, nothing is impossible!”
-C/2LT Patel | Band Public Affairs Officer
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.
Monday, October 9 | Admissions Open House on Campus
- Come visit our beautiful campus and learn about Fork Union Military Academy! 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. Open Houses are from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday, November 13 | Admissions Open House on Campus
- Come visit our beautiful campus and learn about Fork Union Military Academy! 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. Open Houses are from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday, February 19 | Admissions Open House on Campus
- Come visit our beautiful campus and learn about Fork Union Military Academy! 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. Open Houses are from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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!