FMS Cadets at JROTC STEM Academy

Blacksburg, VA – Two Fishburne Military School Cadets returned this weekend from an exciting and challenging JROTC STEM Leadership Academy hosted at Virginia Tech. Cadets Connor

Cadets at the Virginia Tech JROTC STEM Camp engage in an evening drill competition. (photo from Virginia Tech ROTC)

Green (Virginia Beach, VA) and Michael Masone (Ivy, VA) were among the 120 Cadets from all of 4th Brigade selected to attend.

The 4th Brigade JROTC STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic) Leadership Academy was designed to increase awareness and interest in STEM career opportunities and foster academic competencies in specific STEM fields. The Academy also provided educational empowerment by cultivating student attitudes, aspirations and behaviors to embrace change and innovation with assertiveness and conviction.

Cadets participated in a number of selective programs and had the unique opportunity to interact with scientists, engineers and technicians who are designing innovative solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

While at the Academy, Cadets had the opportunity to reside in one of the Virginia Tech Residence Halls and eat at the dining facilities located on campus. Undergraduate Virginia Tech students also served as Program Assistants, guiding students around campus, facilitating activities, and serving as role models. In addition, Army JROTC cadre from several of the participating schools, including Fishburne Military School, we on hand as chaperones.

Each day of the STEM Leadership Academy began at approximately 5 a.m. and the Cadets wrapped up their days around 9 p.m. Each day provided new, educational, and fun hands-on activities that included laboratory tours of engineering and science facilities led by Virginia Tech faculty and graduate students. Cadets were divided into three strands: science, technology and engineering. The strands were then divided in two teams of 20 students each for these sessions.

Cadets attending the Academy were treated to presentations by VT Admissions, Career Services, ROTC,  and Corps of Cadets.

Each team conducted a design project which culminated in a showcase on Friday. The Science strand project involved the Fralin Life Center’s Biotech-in-a-Box program.; the Technology students worked with Dr. Michael Hsiao to create a computer game; and the Engineering students utilized the InVenTS design lab to prototype a device to which could assist the elderly.

Throughout the week, evening programming focused upon Military Leadership skills, Orienteering, Team building and Leadership Development activities.

Fishburne Military School’s Senior Army Instructor, LTC Robert Hunt USA(Ret.), noted “This was a tremendous opportunity for these young men from Fishburne. This program is something we hope to continue for years to come. It fits perfectly with the missions of FMS and JROTC by really inspiring these young people to become active and curious life-long learners as well as confident and able leaders.”

Fishburne Military School is the oldest and smallest of all military schools for boys in Virginia. Its college-prep curriculum is built on the structure of an Army JROTC program. FMS has been designated as a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction and may nominate qualified candidates to the United States Service Academies. Fishburne hosts one of only four Summer JROTC programs in the nation that is accredited by US Army Cadet Command.