Fork Union Military Academy celebrated its 50 seniors with its annual Senior BBQ and Senior Awards ceremony the evening prior to the 2024 Commencement ceremony on Thursday evening in the Wicker Chapel.

Twenty-four awards were given out on Thursday evening in addition to announcing the 12 honor graduates, the Valedictorian, and the Salutatorian. At the ceremony, the 2024 Salutatorian Ethan Schroyer delivered his Salutatorian Address.

Schroyer, the son of Sophie and Jason Schroyer of North East, Maryland, has attended the Academy since the ninth grade and has served as this year's Battalion Commander. He has a cumulative GPA of 4.655 and will be attending Yale University this fall.

Following Schroyer's wonderful speech, the senior awards were announced.

Congratulations to all!

William E. Hatcher Valedictorian Award: Tyler Manglicmot

Awarded to the senior with the highest-grade point average.

Harry M. Waldron Salutatorian Award: Ethan Schroyer

Awarded to the senior with the second highest-grade point average.

Jones Physics Award: Benjamin Burtram

Awarded to the cadet who has the highest academic average in Physics.

J.R. Wildman English Award: Thinh Pham

Awarded to the senior with the highest academic average in English.

J.W. Pendergrass Social Studies Award: Laith Haddad

Awarded to the cadet with the highest academic average in US History and US Government.

Marine Scholastic Excellence Award: Benjamin Burtram

Recognized as an academic scholar, must be a leader among his peers, and outstanding young citizen.

Most Valuable Senior Award: Ethan Schroyer

Awarded to the senior who received the most merit scholarships.

The Miles Music Award: Nehemiah Mayuga

Awarded to the best overall band member.  

Fred Hardy Award: Harry Momolu

Awarded to a senior who pursues excellence in track and field and places the team above his own accolades.

The Frank A. Crockett Captain's Award: Tyler Manglicmot

Awarded to the captain or co-captain of a prep athletic team with the highest-grade point average.

Jenson Baseball Award: Tyler Manglicmot

Awarded to the best all-around baseball player.

Paul Frederick Cobb Award: Emerson Smith

Awarded to the most valuable prep football player.

Forrest Lee Heil Award: Matthew Spence

Awarded to a senior prep football player who loves the sport, gives it his all, and stands out as a team player.

David S. Hatfield Blanket Award: Daouda Niang

Awarded to the prep football player who demonstrates qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and places his teammates above himself.

Randle Athletic Award: Tyler Manglicmot

Awarded to the best all around athlete who has been in attendance at the Academy for at least two years.

Sullivan Award: Jonie Ansah

Awarded to a prep and postgraduate football player who exemplifies the qualities of coach Micky Sullivan.

U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athletic Award: Harry Momolu

Charles Rogers Leadership Award: William Girod

Awarded to a senior who exemplifies the characteristics of Charles Rogers.

The Battalion Leadership Award: Ethan Schroyer

Awarded to the senior who maintains outstanding leadership the entire year.

General Douglas MacArthur Award: Jacob Clodfelter

Awarded to the senior who best embodies three principles of General MacArthur: honor, duty, and country.

COL A. Duane Fender Award: Benjamin Burtram

Awarded to a cadet who has shown individual development throughout his time at the Academy.

Reserve Officer's Association Award: Jaydn Pieron

Awarded to the cadet that attended the Academy for at least three years and has good academic standing and leadership.

The Minuteman Award: Dylan Rwagasana

Awarded who best exemplifies respect of the military, recognizes traits of honesty and high academic achievement by the Thomas Jefferson Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

I.A. Howell Best All Around Cadet Award: Everett Mitchell

Awarded to the senior who is considered the best all-around cadet.