Issue 28 – May 3, 2014
HELLO PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, GUARDIANS & SPONSORS:
Can you answer the following test questions? Scroll to the end for answers.
Are you smarter than a College Sophomore?
Question #1: “In the landmark case of Katko vs. Briney, a thief
sued a property owner for shooting him during a
burglary. Who won?”
Question posed by CPT Thomas Durwood, Assistant Professor of English, VFMC
Are you smarter than an 10th Grader?
Question #2: “In what ways does Shakespeare’s Macbeth fall short of
Aristotle’s definition – Terrible Beauty?”
Question posed by CPT Brian Fetterman, Instructor of English, VFMA
ACADEMY ENROLLMENT AND RE-ENROLLMENT:
We are now accepting Registration Forms for the next academic year. Please fax the form to
610-340-2194 or email it to Admissions_Academy@vfmac.edu. Each form requires a $500
deposit. You can use our electronic check or credit card payment system.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact COL John Ford at 610-989-1489
or admissions_academy@vfmac.edu.
SPRING FESTIVAL WEEKEND, MAY 9-11, 2014 -- updated on May 3:
Please return your RSVP for this event by Tuesday, May 7 by:
- e-mail at Lstevens@vfmac.edu
- phone at 610-989-1328
- fax at 610-989-1332
The itinerary:
Friday, May 9 4:30 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Academy Academic Awards Convocation - Chapel
As the time approaches, please check with your son’s
Guidance Counselor for confirmation of awards.
Families can join their cadets in the Mess Hall for dinner at
$10 per guest. Cadets do not pay.
Spring Concert in Eisenhower Hall, everyone welcome.
Cadets do not have Leave on Friday.
Sat., May 10
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Barracks visitation
Cadets and parents proceed to Shannon Hall for classroom
visitation
Academy cadets’ leave, accompanied by parents, is from 11 a.m. on Saturday until 9 a.m. on
Sunday. Cadets must sign out with their TACS in their barracks before departing campus.
Sun., May 11
9:00 a.m.
A Special Breakfast to Honor our Mothers and
Grandmothers will be held in Mellon Hall Ballroom
beginning at 9 a.m. at $15 per guest. Cadets do not pay. An
RSVP form was in the mailing. All are welcome.
Attention Catholic parents! Our little parish of Saint Michael the Archangel is
thriving and we have been joined by a wonderful parent musician, Mr. Steve
Zawrotny. There will be a Catholic Mass at 9 a.m. and we hope you will attend! It
will be a shortened Mass and there will be plenty of time to get to the breakfast
before the Corps Chapel Service. If you have any questions please contact Theresa
Piscal at TPiscal@VFMAC.EDU.
10:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
12:40 p.m.
Chapel Call – Herald Trumpets
Chapel Service begins.
Cadets of the Muslim Faith will be in Shannon Hall.
Cadets of the Jewish Faith will be in Mellon Hall
All families are welcome to join their cadets
Drill Team Exhibition on the Parade Field
Regimental Review on the Parade Field
Academy cadets’ leave, accompanied by parents, is from after Regimental Review on Sunday
until 9 p.m. Cadets must sign out with their TACS in their barracks before departing
campus.
Many college cadets have completed their exams and have departed campus, however some
will remain. Please check with your cadet. We welcome your attendance even if your cadet
is not present.
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Golf carts will be available for guests requiring assistance.
A photographer will be available for portraits during the breakfast.
Dress is business casual for Friday and Saturday and Chapel attire for Sunday.
Please make sure to wear a hat or sunglasses during the Sunday parade.
Please contact Lini at Lstevens@vfmac.edu or 610-989-1328 if you have questions.
COLLEGE GRADUATES’ GARDEN PARTY -- May 15:
College graduates’ parents, you will receive an e-invitation, inviting you and your graduate to
Crossed Sabres, the President’s home, from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. Please RSVP to
Mrs. Tolvaisa at PTolvaisa@vfmac.edu as soon as possible after receiving the e-invitation.
Space is limited.
COLLEGE GRADUATION DETAILS – MAY 16, 2014 - updated on April 25:
10:00 a.m.
SROTC Commissioning
Chapel
11:00 a.m.
2LT Pinning
Eisenhower Hall
12:00 p.m.
Lunch Available for $5
Mess Hall
1:30 p.m.
College Graduation Ceremony
Chapel
Reception to follow
Eisenhower Hall
all are welcome
Invitations can be picked up by your cadet at Sorley House but are not required to attend the
ceremony. There is no limit as to the number of guests you invite.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMOTION – JUNE 6, 2014:
10:00 a.m.
Middle School Promotion Ceremony, Chapel
Refreshments will be available in Mellon Hall directly following the
ceremony.
ACADEMY GRADUATES’ GARDEN PARTY -- SAVE THE DATE:
Academy graduates’ parents, you will receive an e-invitation, inviting you and your graduate
to Crossed Sabres, the President’s home, from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, June 6. Please RSVP to
Mrs. Tolvaisa at PTolvaisa@vfmac.edu as soon as possible after receiving the e-invitation.
Space is limited.
ACADEMY GRADUATION DETAILS – JUNE 7, 2014:
8:30 a.m.
Refreshments,
Eisenhower Hall
9:30 a.m.
Academy Graduation Ceremony
Parade Field or Chapel
Invitations will be mailed to you but are not required to attend the ceremony. There is no
limit as to the number of guests you invite. If you have questions, please contact Claire
Reynolds at CReynolds@vfmac.edu or 610-989-1381.
THE COMMANDANT’S RECOGNITION:
1. The following cadets recently received appointments to a Service Academy. Well done!:
a. Cadet Praxel Tati-Mackaya (United States Air Force Academy)
b. Cadet Saud Bin Saud (United States Military Academy)
c. Cadet Jackson Baker (United States Naval Academy)
2. Cadet Ronald Gombe was named the MVP of the Junior College Division at a
Basketball showcase in New Jersey. Well Done!
3. The Order of Anthony Wayne, highest award given by VFMA&C:
For contributing substantially to the morale, esprit de corps and progress of Valley Forge
Military Academy & College, and for exemplifying the best traditions of military service, the
following cadets, faculty and staff members have been inducted in the Order of Anthony
Wayne, Sunday, April 27, 2014:
Knights in the Order of Anthony Wayne:
Staff and Faculty:
Captain Thomas Durwood, VFMA&C
Captain Alfredo Gonzalez, VFMA&C
Major Robert G. Wood, VFMA&C
Dr. Sukalpa Basu
Fellows in the Order of Anthony Wayne:
Third Captain Corey Hinson
Captain Kabine Conde
Captain Nicholas Diasio
Captain Austin McBride
Captain Ryan Niessner
Captain Justin Schaller
Captain Matthew Scheffer
First Lieutenant Rodrigo Represas
Second Lieutenant Hillary Esposito
First Sergeant Ruth Chamorro
First Sergeant Panit Nakajitti
Sergeant Major Corey Zinck
Master Sergeant Jordan Dawsey
4. The Alumni Miniature Gold and Silver Sword Awards:
Presented by the alumni to two New Cadets from each unit who best demonstrated the
spirit of Valley Forge:
Gold Swords:
Cadet Ammar Hayel
Cadet Tyree Lane
Cadet Jackson Baker
Cadet Hayden Freeman
Cadet Shahan Hasnaen
Cadet Ethan Kelley
Cadet Camille Waelbroeck
Cadet David Ivashenko
Cadet Sadie Zellem
Cadet Daniel Calero
A Company
B Company
Band
C Company
D Troop
E Battery
F Company
G Company
H Company
I Company
Silver Swords:
Cadet Runze Wu
Cadet Steven Kaiafas
Cadet Fransheska Rosa
Cadet Michael Mraz
Cadet Brock Burner
Cadet Nikolay Gorbachev
Cadet Andrew Hill
Cadet Brandon Daniels
Cadet Alois Steinbugl
Cadet Kevan Thomas
A Company
B Company
Band
C Company
D Troop
E Battery
F Company
G Company
H Company
I Company
Field Music was not awarded.
5. The Herald Trumpets Badge:
Presented annually to cadets who demonstrate exceptional skill while performing as
members of the Herald Trumpets:
One Year of Service (bar with a silver trumpet in red field:)
Cadet Christopher Bilardo
Cadet John Hudgins
Cadet Matthew Richart
Cadet David Shalat
Cadet Tristan Smith
Cadet Harrison Smith
Two Years of Service (bar with silver trumpet in red field with wreath:)
Cadet Jeffrey Banhdith
Cadet Justin Black
Cadet Cassius Christie
Cadet Michael Moseley
Cadet Joseph Oliver
Cadet Xiao Bin Shen
Three Years of Service (bar with silver trumpet in red field with wreath and star:)
Cadet Trevor Buggs
Four or More Years of Service: (medallion:)
Cadet Niall Gallagher
6. The Sanders Medal: Presented annually in memory of Lieutenant Howard R. Sanders,
Infantry, USA, killed in action July 6, 1944, Cadet Captain, Class of 1942, to that New Cadet
of the Band who has demonstrated high devotion to duty and Academy spirit.
Cadet Joseph Henry
7. The Kuncl Medal: Presented annually in memory of Captain Clarence J. Kuncl,
Infantry, USA, killed in action December 15, 1944, Cadet Captain, Class of 1938, to that
cadet of the Band with two or more years of service who best exemplifies the ideals of
Valley Forge Military Academy & College and who has been distinguished for personal
efficiency and musicianship:
Cadet Anthony Fuoco
8. The Colonel D. Feltham Award: Presented annually to that Band cadet exhibiting the
greatest strides of improvement in academics, military performance and musical ability while
maintaining the highest degree of moral fiber:
Cadet Young Sheng
9. The Bill Gans Award: Presented annually in honor of William T. Gans, Jr., ’59, ’61C to
the cadet of the Band who has contributed to the success of the Regimental Band by
adapting to the Valley Forge system:
Cadet Niall Gallagher
10. The Douglas H. Forster Medal: Presented annually by Mr. Howard A. Forster, Class
of 1948, and Mrs. Forster in honor of their son, to the Cadet of the First Class with a
satisfactory academic and tactical record who excels in the subject area of History and Social
Studies during his First Class year:
Cadet John Ensle
11. Class of 1947 Medal: Is awarded in memory of six class members who died in service
of their country and is to be awarded to those individuals who best exemplify nobility of
spirit, richness of character and remarkable performance in “the service of others in the best
American tradition of friendship, camaraderie, and loyalty.”
Cadet Jordan Dawsey
Cadet Lawrence Holman
COLLEGE COLOR GUARD AND DRILL TEAM UPDATE:
The College Color Guard and 5-Man Drill Team performed flawlessly at the Folds of Honor
Foundation leadership presentation at Christ Community Church last evening in West
Chester. Approximately 500 attended this significant Men’s Ministry event at the church.
The cadets were joined by Miss Carrie Hytha from Eastern University singing the National
Anthem and an outstanding performance by the Washington Memorial Pipe Band.
www.foldsofhonor.org/mission
“I was extremely proud of the cadets and their
contribution to this exceptionally well-done
event.”
CAPT Hale
College participants included:
College Color Guard:
Cadet Terence Williams
Cadet Mawulolo Bolouvi
Cadet Shawn Coleman
Cadet Lawrence Peart
CS I Sergeant Major
CF I Color Sergeant
CF I Color Sergeant
CS G
College Drill Team:
Cadet Corey Hinson
Cadet Christian Asiedu
Cadet Daniel Beaulieu
Cadet Chad Inver
Cadet David Ivashenko
C. CS FM Third Captain
CF FM
CF I Sergeant First Class
CF F
CF G Sergeant
TEAM CHINA 14 TO COMMONWEALTH PRAYER BREAKFAST:
“Team China 14” is formed and ready to represent VFMA in China, 13-26 June. On
Tuesday, April 30, the Team traveled to Harrisburg for a team building event, representing
VFMA at the Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast (CPB). The cadets had the opportunity to
speak with Governor Tom Corbit and the CPB guest speaker, former South Carolina
Governor David Beasley. After breakfast they toured the Commonwealth Capitol building
and met with Senator Bob Mensch.
Team members include:
Cadet Bohan Chen
Cadet Lawrence Holman
Cadet Jianrui Li
Cadet William Lot
Cadet Fangmeng Lu
Cadet Xiao Bin Shen
v/r,
Gerald L. Hale
CAPT, USCG (Ret)
Chaplain and Director of Character Development
CADETS AT THE PENN RELAYS:
Pictured from left to right, Cadet Audley
Isaacs, Cadet Daniel Lacey, Cadet Hamza
Al Shibani, and Cadet Lawrence Holman
competed and ran season best times in the
4x100 meter relay and the Prep School 4x400
meter relay. Cadets are pictured at Franklin
Field in Philadelphia, PA., after their last race.
BASEBALL HIGHLIGHTS
by Coach “Mick” Lorusso:
The Trojan varsity baseball team picked up an impressive win over visiting New
Foundations Charter School on Tuesday, with a “nail biter” final score of 12-11. Senior
Cadet Richard Zawrotny was the winning pitcher, and Junior Cadet Niall Gallagher
picked up the save for the Cadets. The big bats on the day came from Senior Cadet David
Merkin, who went 2 for 3 with a double, triple, and (3) RBI’s. Freshman Cadet Jake
Bunting also contributed to the offense by starting the 5th inning with a ground rule
double.
Scores:
New Foundations
R 11 H 9 E 1
VF
R 12 H 9 E 5
The Trojans were back in action on Friday, April 25 for the 20th Trojan Spring Classic and
again on Monday, April 28. Our team captains for the 2014 season are seniors: Cadet Alex
Dapkiewicz, Richard Zawrotny, and Corey Zinck.
For updates and scores, please click on:
Academy Athletics: www.vfmac.edu/academy-athletics
College Athletics: www.vfmac.edu/college-athletics
The FORGE FUND – NINE WEEKS TO GO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014:
Contributions to the Forge Fund through the Parents Association have helped or will help
provide unique experiences for our cadets, from a demonstration on falconry with soaring
hawks and owls, prizes for a highly spirited International Day featuring 27 countries, the
upcoming Garden Party at the President’s home for the Class of 2014 and their families, the
“Spirit of Philadelphia” Graduation Cruise, and Whiteboards in classrooms. The Forge Fund
provides funds that allow our teachers and TAC Officers to take advantage of special
activities that enhance our cadets’ learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. If
you haven’t yet given to the Forge Fund, please consider a donation as generous as you are
able to help us reach our $1.8 million goal. We currently have raised $1,425,096 from
members of the Valley Forge family and therefore need $374,904 to meet the $1.8 million
benchmark by June 30. Gifts of any amount are most appreciated. Gifts at the leadership
giving level ($1,000+, The Society of the Golden Sword) will help us reach our goal quickly!
If you have any questions about the best way to give, please be in touch with:
Holly Cheshire
Director of the Forge Fund
610-995-6008
hcheshire@vfmac.edu
SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION:
Looking for something new and exciting this summer? Valley Forge offers a fun, safe
environment that offers a wide variety of activities and sports for your child. We offer Day
Camp (6-17) and Overnight Camp options (9-13 Adventure and 14-17 Fitness) that combine
sports, trips, and a variety of other activities that will keep your child engaged and active the
entire time they spend at the camp.
VFMA Summer Camp includes: soccer, tennis, rugby, volleyball, basketball, high/low ropes,
rock climbing, rappelling, swimming (both indoor and outdoor), lacrosse, football, street
hockey, softball, baseball, archery, and our obstacle course.
Please call Joe Haughey at 610-989-1253 for more information, or email
summercamp@vfmac.edu or visit our website at www.vfmac.edu/camp.
REGISTER NOW FOR COLLEGE SUMMER SESSIONS:
Registration for Valley Forge Military College Summer Sessions is now available for current
and visiting students. Information about the courses offered can be found online. This
summer, all courses will be delivered fully online, allowing the flexibility to earn credits
towards your degree while maximizing all that summer has to offer. All three (3) sessions are
five (5) weeks, beginning in May, June, and July.
Registration for summer session courses opened on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, for all
college students. Register online via the e-student portal. You are encouraged to meet
with your advisor to ensure you choose the courses you need to stay on track to complete
your degree. Our Summer Sessions give you the opportunity to earn up to 15 credits over
the three (3) sessions.
Summer Sessions 2014 Dates:
Summer Session 1: May 12 – June 13
Summer Session 2: June 16 – July 18
Summer Session 3: July 21 – August 22
Tuition and mandatory fees are $800 for each 3-credit summer session course and $1,000 for
4-credit courses. Payment plans and other payment options are available.
If you have any questions at this time, please email collegeregistrar@vfmac.edu.
TRAVEL FOR INT’L CADETS:
International cadet parents, we recommend that you schedule flights in and out of the
Philadelphia International Airport which is only a 40 minute drive in a taxi from VFMA&C.
However, if you schedule flights in and out of Newark, LaGuardia and JFK Airports, please
use the Super Trans Philly Shuttle Transportation which provides transportation for your
cadet to Philadelphia for $65. He or she can then take a taxi to VF.
http://supertranspa.com/jfkandnewrkairport.aspx
Telephone: 215-333-1441.
Another link to a shuttle service that transports to/from Newark, LaGuardia and JFK
airports is: http://www.priorityshuttle.com/
MORE LINKS:
Department of Student Activities Calendar:
http://www.vfmac.edu/academy-clubs-activities
Photo Album: http://www.vfmac.edu/campus-photo-albums/?template=cadet-academy
Campus Calendar: http://www.vfmac.edu/campus-calendar/
Academy Athletics: www.vfmac.edu/academy-athletics
Website link to College Athletics: www.vfmac.edu/college-athletics
Answer to Question #1: the thief was awarded $30,000 for “excessive force”
Answer to Question #2: Macbeth does not suffer with grace and dignity
Look for more questions from our wonderful Faculty and TACS next time!
Lini Stevens
Director of Parent Relations and Special Events
Valley Forge Military Academy & College
Phone: 610-989-1328
LStevens@vfmac.edu
www.vfmac.edu