What is Post-Graduate Basketball? Why FMS?
One of our devoted Fishburne parents, Paul Andersen, father of Cadet Alexander Andersen, wrote the copy below about the new FMS Post-Grad hoops program. His goal is to further introduce the program to other parents, alumni and the public.
FMS Welcomes Post-Graduate Program
Every school year brings new adventures, new excitement, and new opportunities. This Fall Semester brought several enhancements to the FMs experience including the arrival of new cadets, a new 7th Grade program, and the introduction of a small and select cadre of post-graduate students (PGs).
What/Who are PGs? Sometimes called Grade 13 students, PGs are students who opt for an additional high school year after graduation and before setting off for college. Some seek to improve their academic standing and SAT performance, and others to fine-tune athletic skills and accomplishments. One thing which all PGs share in common: they are committed to self-improvement and the hard work that mandates.
What is our FMS PG Program?
Although post-graduates programs are offered by many prep schools, the FMS program has its own special attractions that promise to make our program a high-demand program in the future.
Who is the PG Coordinator?
The quality of our program begins with its Coordinator, Ed Huckaby, Jr. Although Huckaby brings to FMS impressive college coaching experience, he rightly sees himself firstly as an educator. To quote Huckaby, “our PGs are students and cadets first and then athletes.”
Head Coach Ed Huckaby
Who are our PGs?
What also makes the FMS PG experience impressive is the quality and character of the PGs themselves. This year’s PGs are accomplished athletes focusing on basketball. Our PGs chose the FMS program from a host of offerings because of the FMS cadet ethos, structure and discipline (i.e. seriousness and quality). Our PGs came through a rigorous FMS selection and admissions process to ensure they “brought to the table” the character and commitment required by FMS. In this tight economy it is also important to note that another unique aspect of the FMS PG program is that it is self-supporting. Its participants are not subsidized or funded from FMS coffers, tuitions or endowments. Special benefactors, sponsors and the students themselves bear the financial challenges of FMS expenses (i.e. our PGs invest their time and money in the program).
How does this impact on the other Cadets?
Not only will our PGs benefit from their FMS year, but the entire FMS Community and Corps of Cadets benefit. Even our youngest cadets become living role models of FMS principles and sprit d’corps. and learn new approaches to leading and commanding the “older and bigger.” Likewise each PG brings to the Community a valuable life-story, commitment to hard, and drive to succeed.
Summary
So, as we move forward in our 2009-2010 school year, we are confident that this opportunity to welcome PGs into our FMS experience will truly enrich the experience of each and every one of our cadets.
