FMS Hosts Career Fair
Fishburne Military School alumnus, Derrick Weaver ’99, offers advice about Computer Science careers during the annual FMS Career Fair.
Waynesboro, VA — Fishburne Military School hosted its fourth-annual Career Fair last week. Throughout the week, professionals from a wide variety of fields were invited to share their career choices and paths to success with our students.
Although the event was aimed at the junior class, all students were welcomed to attend. “We had thirty-eight cadets attend all three days of the event,” notes LTC Dan Baranik (VA), FMS Headmaster and organizer of the FMS Career Fair. “This event has gained momentum and interest over the years.”
Conference areas and classrooms throughout the Administration Building were given over to presentations and Q&A sessions geared toward supplying cadets with real-world advice and strategies regarding educational choices, career paths and daily life within the given industries. Presenters included local business leaders, area attorneys, law enforcement agents, health professionals, engineers, and military personnel.
Some of the presenters came from within the FMS family, itself, bringing an even more personal touch to their approaches. Derrick
Fishburne Military School parent, Mr. Walter Curt, advises cadets on entrepreneurialism during FMS’ annual Career Fair
Weaver, FMS Class of 1999, spoke to cadets about opportunities, educational requirements and challenges in the Computer Sciences field. “Being an alumnus helps me to communicate with these cadets,” notes Weaver, “about real-life issues on a more personal and relevant level. I’ve been in their shoes and they respect that…they know I’m only here to offer my advice as an older FMS Brother.”
Other Fishburne famly presenters included successful businessman and FMS parent, Mr. Walter Curt, (discussing the ins and outs of owning your own business) and FMS Athletic Trainer Kwadwo Donkor (who highlighted the pathways to pre-med or nursing training).
“Many professionals were very gracious with their time as they shared their vocations with our students,” explained Baranik. “Our goal is to cast a future vision for the Cadets.”
In all, over a dozen different career paths were outlined and explained to the cadets; and, for those still undecided about what path they’d like to pursue, former FMS Guidance Director, Mr. Russ Ingersoll, was on hand to lead a special discussion about selecting the right career and college.
“In today’s environment,” notes FMS Superintendent, COL Gary Morrison (VA), a 1981 graduate of FMS, “a college-prep program without a component like this would be doing a disservice to its students. As our school’s motto tells us: ‘Knowledge is Power’; and, we are hoping to empower these young men with the knowledge they will need to successfully pursue a fulfilling career.”
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. FMS is 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.
