First Formation – As seen by The News Leader

Link:  The News Leader

WAYNESBORO — For seventh-grader Christian Palmer, 11, it was the heat that got to him. For junior Joseph Mastro, 16, it was his nerves.

The pair, both first-year students at Fishburne Military School, stood at attention for more than 20 minutes Tuesday morning during the first formation of the school year.

They were among 122 cadets, about half of whom were first-year students, to participate in the 131st opening ceremony of the school year. Fishburne Military School, 225 S. Wayne Ave., opened in 1879 and is designed to instill leadership and self-discipline in cadets in grades seven through 12.

“I was a bit nervous because I was receiving the guide on,” said Joseph, referring to the task of handing a flag off to another, higher ranking cadet.

“It was just the heat for me,” said Christian. “I got all sweaty.”

The boys said they were excited to attend the school, and hoped to improve their grades.

“Sophomore year I barely passed. I really needed some structure,” Joseph said, matter-of-factly.

“I came here for the academics,” said Christian, who does not intend to join the military after he graduates.

Christian’s parents were in the Navy and decided to send him to Fishburne when his grade range started including As and Ds.

Joseph’s parents met while they were both stationed in Germany and the junior, who attended public school last year, said he hopes to be either an Air Force or Army pilot after he graduates.

Tina and Mike Dolfi couldn’t stop smiling following the ceremony. They watched their 15-year-old son, Alex Buckard, who has risen to the rank of sergeant major.

“I thought it was great,” Tina Dolfi, of Stuarts Draft, said of the ceremony. “We are very proud of his accomplishments.”

Miles McCumber, 16, a sophomore, said his parents sent him to Fishburne because he was earning Cs in school — and they have high expectations.

“Ever since I came here I have gotten straight As. It’s a good school,” said Miles, who admitted although he isn’t into the military, he appreciates the academic aspects of the school.

“It’s really fun. It was really fun,” Christian said of the school and the Tuesday ceremony, although he couldn’t describe exactly what he liked about it.

“It’s the brotherhood,” suggested Joseph. “I have heard you can be on the toilet and you’ll become best friends with the guy sitting next to you.”

“It’s our home,” Christian said.

“It’s our new home,” Joseph agreed.