FMS Cadets Find Adventure and Chance to Serve
Cadet Raymond Dua assists as villagers and volunteers extend the roof of a local building
(Waynesboro, VA) — Two Fishburne Military School Cadets enjoyed a unique opportunity to combine adventure and service last Summer. Through a program endorsed by Key Club International, juniors Raymond Dua, Jr. and Hunter Wren-Russ both completed 22-week overseas programs designed to expand their worldview and provide opportunities to participate in real-world service projects.
Dua, who hails from Union, NJ, made the long journey to Thailand along with a group of like-minded young people from around the country. Throughout their time in Thailand, Dua and his group hiked through breathtaking scenery, visited ancient Buddhist temples, and stayed in rural villages which they assisted with improvement projects. In one such village, Dua and his team helped the locals extend the roof of a communal building in order to provide greater storage and meeting space for the village.
“It was really a great way to see the world from a new perspective,” Dua recollected, “and it gave us a stronger appreciation for our role on the planet.”
Wren-Russ, from Calabasas, CA, enjoyed a similar experience, but in a far different climate. Rather than to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, Wren-Russ’ path led him to Mongolia where he would learn about the lives and challenges of modern-day nomadic tribes. His group of 18 young people, explored the rich traditions of Kazakhstan while helping the indigenous people with agricultural chores and acting as “live practice” for a village school’s English Classes.
For his part, Wren-Russ says he has gained a far wider appreciation for the everyday joys of life in the United States. “It’s truly humbling to be face to face with REAL poverty,” he notes.
For both young men, the Summer of 2015 was one that will certainly continue to inform their leadership studies and guide them toward further outreach and service.
Fishburne Military School is the oldest and smallest of all military schools for boys in Virginia. Its college-prep curriculum is built upon the structure of an Army JROTC program. Boasting a 100% college-acceptance rate for the past 10 consecutive years, FMS has also been designated as a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction and may nominate qualified candidates to the United States Service Academics. Fishburne hosts one of only four Summer JROTC programs in the nation, accredited by US Army Cadet Command.
