First Formation – As Seen by The News Virginian

Article taken from Waynesboro News Virginian

Tuesday was First Formation for the 121 cadets who began a new year at Fishburne Military School, but for fifth-years Jordan Wittig and Rogan Richer, it marks the beginning of the end.

Wittig, 17, is following in the footsteps of his brother Joshua, who graduated from the school last year. He said his brother’s example, and that of other leaders when he entered the school in eighth grade, inspired him to become a leader at the school.

“When I was in eighth grade, I looked up to my senior cadets that were leaders, and I wanted to be like them,” said Wittis, a senior from Waynesboro who wants to go into the Air Force after graduation.

Col. Roy F. Zinser, the president and superintendent at Fishburne, passed down the sword of command to Richer, 17, the new battalion commander, before offering a few words of advice for the cadets.

“The leaders promoted today that assume the responsibility and command assume those great tasks,” Zinser said. “Their shoulders are heavy now with the responsibilities to lead [these] young men and move the school forward, remaining true to its past tradition and setting new goals to achieve.”

Richer, of Centreville, addressed other seniors during the ceremony, saying it is time for them to leave their mark on the school.

“This is our year; this is our time to leave our mark on Fishburne through our integrity, honor and commitment to the corps,” Richer said. “Let us be known as the class to give back to this school for all the many opportunities and chances it has given us. Let us hold the traditions of the years before us, and let us be able to say, ‘This is how it was back in our day.’”

Richer said after the ceremony that he hopes for a career in the Marine Corps, and that without Fishburne, he would have floundered in public school.

Alex Burkard, 15, of Stuarts Draft, said yesterday’s ceremony marks “a lot of tradition that comes together.” In the 11th grade now, he is planning a career in the medical field after graduation.

“This school prepares you both for the military and the professional aspect, too,” Burkard said.

For the 59 first-years starting at Fishburne, Wittis advised them to be prepared for a totally different experience than what they may have had in public school.

“It’s time to step up to the plate; it’s time to get rolling,” Wittis said.

As for his final year: “It hasn’t hit me yet. I’m not prepared for it.”