Full STEM ahead at Fishburne Military School

Summer Cadets get a feel for opportunities awaiting them this Fall

Last year, Fishburne Military School announced a new STEM initiative to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education across the curriculum. Faculty, Cadet, Parent and Alumni enthusiasm for the STEM initiative was overwhelming. Instructors began mapping out new approaches to lab work, Cadets began forming and joining STEM-related clubs (such as the Rocketry Club and Future Physicians), Alumni and Parents sent their support to provide equipment and other classroom materials.

As Summer Session reaches its half-way point, thoughts on campus are beginning to turn again to ways in which the programs may be enhanced this fall.

CPT Galloway has already begun working with interested Cadets to encourage them to launch a new robotics club for 2015. Today he brought in some new equipment and had no trouble finding Cadet volunteers to test it out.

In addition to bringing higher levels of gadgetry and electronics into the Fishburne experience, FMS will be offering a new opportunity to Cadets this fall courtesy of one prominent Alumnus. Dr. Glen McClung, FMS Class of 1991, is a noted orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist who has helped to create and guide the Beacon Research and Education Foundation in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. McClung has agreed to take his show on the road this Fall and to hold a cadaver lab at FMS for Cadets interested in the medical profession.

“These opportunities,” noted Fishburne Superintendent, COL Gary Morrison (VA), FMS Class of 1981, “provide our young men today with something many of us wish we had had access to during our time in school. The importance of a STEM education in today’s world is self-evident. This kind of access to materials, equipment and expert mentors is really something special. We could not be more pleased at the direction in which this STEM initiative is moving.”

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. For more information visit www.fishburne.org.