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Fork Union Military Academy
Fork Union Military Academy (abbreviated as FUMA) is a private, all-male, college preparatory Christian military boarding school located in Fork Union, Virginia. Founded in 1898, Fork Union is considered one of the premier military boarding academies in the United States.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Fork Union is a member of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States and the National Association of Independent Schools and is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. FUMA's curriculum extends from the 7th to 12th grade and hosts a one-year postgraduate program. History Located on a 1,000-acre (400 ha) campus in the rolling hills of central Virginia's Piedmont region, Fork Union Military Academy was initially founded as Fork Union Academy in October 1898 by Dr. William E. Hatcher, a prominent local Baptist minister. The first class had nineteen students. In 1902, the academy took on a military structure to provide organization, discipline, and physical development for the boys of a rapidly growing school. In 1913, the academy became an all-male institution and changed its name to Fork Union Military Academy. That same year, the academy began receiving support from the Baptist General Association of Virginia, which continues to this day. Military organization is used to structure the daily routine. While the academy has no direct relationship with any military branch, the school's military system has existed for more than 100 years.[9] Some of its buildings are named after benefactors who have helped fund their construction, such as the Guy E. Beatty Library, the Estes Dining Center, and Jacobson Hall. Other buildings on campus are named in honor or memory of persons who are significant in the school's history, such as Hatcher Hall and the Wicker Science Center, both named in memory of past school presidents.[10] FUMA's crest shows a pair of crossed swords, a book, and a star, each representing an aspect of the school motto: body, mind, and spirit. Presidents of Fork Union Military Academy
Academics The school offers a variety of sports, clubs, and organizations for cadet participation during free time in the week and on weekends. Athletics and clubs are a popular diversion from the rigors of cadet life at Fork Union. Both Standard and Advanced High School Diplomas are offered. Graduating classes have routinely been awarded millions of dollars in scholarships.[12] One Subject Plan Military structureFork Union Military Academy provides a structured military environment for its cadets. Military aspects of Fork Union's system include the wearing of uniforms, a military-style organization of personnel, accountability for personal appearance and the state of one's room, ranks, and a chain of command. The rank structure adopted by the corps of cadets mirrors the US Army's enlisted ranks, with the exclusion of the ranks of PV2 and Specialist. Its officer ranks mirror those of the Army JROTC's rank structure, with the rank of Cadet Colonel rarely being used. The Upper School consists of cadets from 9th grade through the Postgraduate year. The Upper School cadets reside in Jacobson Hall, home to Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo Companies. There is also a drill team company, Retan Rifle (which exists for special events only) that performs in parades across Virginia. Upper School marching band members march in parades on campus and around the state along with Retan Rifles and Fork Union's Bagpipe Corps. Cadet Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) live as a part of each company. Each company is subdivided into three platoons, each with its own NCOs and Officers. Platoons are subdivided into Squads led by Cadet Sergeants. Squad and Platoon leaders are accountable to the higher company leadership and adult members of the Commandant's Department, as well as to their Tactical Officers (TACs), who are assigned to each company to supervise the cadets.[14] Spiritual lifeWhile students of other religious beliefs may attend the Academy, all cadets attend on-campus Christian chapel services Monday through Thursday and on Sunday each week unless excused. The Academy is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia.[8] Campus FUMA's campus is located on a 1,000-acre (400 ha) campus in the hills of the Virginia's Piedmont region. [15]
Athletics FUMA's athletic program is most famous for its football team, which has produced 117 NFL players, and for its track & field team, ranked as one of the best in Virginia.[18] There are only two postgraduate athletic programs at Fork Union. Head coach Frank Arritt leads the PG football team. The PG basketball program was coached by Fletcher Arritt, the subject of a documentary titled The Passing Game.[19] The Prep teams fielding players from grades 9–12 include Football, Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Wrestling, Soccer, Cross Country, Track and Field, Orienteering, Shooting Sports, and Swimming and Diving. The Fork Union Outdoor Track team won its 20th straight VISAA state championship in 2008. Many athletes have gone on from the academy to compete in collegiate athletic programs and pursue careers on professional teams. FUMA alumni have included numerous famous athletes who have played in the NFL, MLB, and in multiple other leagues and sports. Their rival Hargrave Military Academy discontinued their PG football team in 2013; the rivalry continues in PG basketball as the two teams continue to compete every season.[20] Student organizationsThere are many different clubs and organizations that cadets can participate in while attending Fork Union.[21] Though new clubs are often started annually by new cadets to meet demand, the more permanent list of clubs includes: National Honor Society, Honor Council, International Club, IDEA Club, Scuba, Math Club, Speech and Debate, Robotics, Drama Club, Catholic Cadet Association, Chess Club, Band, Pep Band, Bagpipe Corps, Choir, and Woodworking. Notable alumni
Politics
Military
Businessmen
Education
Literature, television and arts
Track and Field
Swimming
Basketball
National Football League
At least 117 Fork Union Military Academy players have been drafted or signed by NFL teams.[28] At least 12 players from Fork Union Military Academy have been selected in the First Round of the NFL Draft since 1954, 7 players have been selected for one or more Pro Bowl appearances, and at least 12 players have been on teams that competed in Super Bowl games.[28] The list includes:
References
External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fork Union Military Academy. |
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