Read more details about Fork Union Military Academy on their 2024 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Fork Union is a tough place to be, but a great place to be from. As a young man you learn accountability, discipline, and how to follow direction.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I'm proud of our achievements on the Football and Track teams. I also was able to significantly life my GPA from a 2.4 to a 3.0.I learned a commitment to excellence and a will to win that allowed me to thrive there, at Rutgers University and in the Corporate Sector. In my job i have to carryout orders and sometimes drive the narrative and In feel I learned those skills at FUMA.I was the Prep League Runner of the Year, VISIAA State Meet MVP and State Meet Record Holder in the 800 (153.5)I am particularly grateful to have had Coach Brown, Coach Sullivan, Coach Jones, Maj Billingsley (I think he is a Col. now) and the man, myth and legend Fred Hardy in my life.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I bucked the system and like my former classmate and teammate ended up on probation. My tack officer at the time who was also a helluva football coach, stuck up for me a few times and eventually i realized I was letting people down and started harnessing the opportunity.Looking back, sometime I wish I did an extra year my body was still developing and. I graduated when i was only 17.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
I really appreciate the responsibility it instilled in me. There are no favorites here. You earn what you get, from grades to your rank in the Corp. This schools principles mirror what actual society is like and there is no better way to prepare a young man for college and post-college career.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
The beginning will be tough but embrace the challenge and listen to what is asked of you and you will be fine.If you get to go to a school like Fork Union it is a rare gift that many do not have the opportunity extended to. Do not waste it.Special shout-out to Col. Giszack for talking my Dad into sending me here and for being a great a Coach and Spiritual Advisor during my time there.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The academics went really in-depth due to the one subject plan. The teaching was top notch, I had two Annapolis grads as Math teachers, and two Social Studies teacher who were world class.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
If your son does a sport look no further. The Track and Football programs have a legacy if turning out some of the top athletes in both sports. I came to the school with some promise but was a bit of anwild child and was straightened out real quick by my football coach. My track coach Winston Brown took me from a fringe college athlete to a State Champion and All-American in a year, and the year after I was fortunate to earn a full scholarship to my state school Rutgers University. The values I learned at FUMA allowed me to eventually help lead Rutgers to a Big East Track Championship and get elected to the Rutger Hall of Fame.When I would go home on leave and see my old HS football team play, it looked like slow motion. Many of my friends from my Pre-Fuma life have died, gone to jail, or have struggled overall and I thank god I was allowed the opportunity to go to this tremendous school.The PG programs are also top notch. John Shuman has done as much for the game of Football as any High School/Prep coach..ever.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
They had a strong program in these activities however I was consumed with my sports. There was a band that had a sick drum roll for games and parades, a choir, a drill team, and other activities as well.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
There are many ways to get involved in the community at this school. It is build on spiritual beliefs and love for your fellow man.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
The dorm life added an extra element to everything. You lived with your classmates and form lifelong friendships. There is a military school element of Officers that is more of a mentoring program and instills values in the students.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
You get three square meals a day. Look its not Lobster and Steaks but it gets the job done. The folks that work in that department are hard working genuine people who I look back fondly on.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Look, there isn't much town life. Your at a Military School, your there to work.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
The social life is one where your with your classmated 24/7 and as I previously mentioned you build lifelong relationships.
Read more details about Fork Union Military Academy on their 2024 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Fork Union will change your son’s life. I’m not exaggerating. I’m not using hyperbole. I have no vested interest in convincing you of this fact. FUMA is a special place, and it will take the. . .
Fork Union's One Subject plan was instrumental in regaining my place among my peers when it came to class standing. The ability to completely focus on one subject for a 8 week semester was absolutely. . .
In 1961-1964 Fork Union Was a very focused military preparatory school with emphasis on scholastic and athletic skills. I went there because of the one subject plan and they got me through my high school. . .
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