Fork Union Military Academy continues its proud tradition of recognizing excellence and leadership among its cadets, recently unveiling the standout honorees for Term 1. GySgt Charlie Coulter, Commandant of Cadets, announced the recipients of the Cadet Leader and Cadet of the Term awards, celebrating their dedication, exemplary conduct, and outstanding leadership.

Cadet Leader of the Term was awarded to Charlie Company's Destin Lamadrid-Burkett, a sophomore from Miami Beach, Florida. He is the son of Catherine Burkett and is in his second year at the Academy.

Cadet of the Term was awarded to Andres Olalla Casas of Bravo Company. A first-year cadet from Madrid, Spain, Andres is the son of Ricardo Olalla Guarra and Maria Casas Lopez.

Additionally, Bravo Company was named Winning Company for Term 1.

The selection process for these prestigious titles is both rigorous and comprehensive. Each company conducts an internal review, nominating one cadet for each category: Category 1 includes cadets from Privates to Corporals, while Category 2 is reserved for Cadet Sergeants through Captains.

A board composed of Command Sergeant Major Glenn Sidwell and four senior cadets from the Battalion Staff conducted the interviews. Cadets, dressed in Class A uniforms adorned with their awards and decorations, were evaluated on their knowledge of the Academy’s history, core values, the Cadet Regulations (Blue Book), leadership traits, and the Honor Code. Candidates were assessed across seven key areas, each with a maximum point value:

• Personal Appearance, Bearing, and Self-Confidence (20 points)
• Oral Expression and Communication Skills (15 points)
• Knowledge of Current Events (15 points)
• Academy Standing, Awards, and Demerits (20 points)
• Awareness of Military Subjects (15 points)
• Room and Bed/Wall-locker Displays (10 points)

For their exceptional performance, Cadet Lamadrid-Burkett and Cadet Olalla Casas will each receive a $25.00 gift card and the opportunity to participate in the Cadet/Leader of the Year board later in the academic year. Their achievements exemplify the high standards of Fork Union Military Academy and highlight their commitment to excellence and leadership.

Cadet Lamadrid-Burkett and Cadet Olalla Casas will join Bravo Company with an option to depart campus on November 1-3 for an additional leave weekend. Congratulations, gentlemen!