Bayonet - Vol. 18, Issue 3

Fork Union Military Academy Middle School Vole 18, Issue 3 January/February 2013

Cadets lead “Parade of States” for Special Olympics Tennis Tourney Several of our Middle School cadets volunteered time Thursday evening, Jan. 10, and Saturday morning, Jan. 12, to assist with the Special Olympics Xperience Tennis Invitational, held annually at the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville. This event features the top tennis players from across the country. On Thursday evening, 10 of our cadets carried the state banners during the ner. On Saturday mornopening ceremonies, ing, 14 cadets, including with the athletes march- 2 Upper School cadets, ing in behind their rehelped as ball boys durspective state baning the championship

Basketball

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Interview with CPT Smith Question of the Issue

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Bridge Building Contest Wrestling Report

4

Awards Ceremony

games. The cadets enjoyed interacting with the athletes and were extremely impressed by their talents on the court.

Headmaster’s Message

By LTC Feathers Thankfully, we are rounding the corner from winter to spring. We are two-thirds of the way through the school year, and you, as a Cadet Corps, are continuing the process of evolving into a cohesive group of young men. I am proud of the accomplishments of so many of you and look forward to what you are going to accomplish through the remainder of the year. Don't let down your guard; there is still much to be done. It is my hope that all of you will end this year having met the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of

Inside this issue:

the year. Many of you are earning grades you never thought possible. For many of you, the position of leadership that you hold is your first real acceptance of responsibility. Most of you have developed improved physical endurance through athletic participation and physical education. Hopefully all of you have developed better study skills and organizational skills that will benefit you through your school years. And it is my prayer that your relationship with God is continuing to grow through your time at FUMA. I see growth in all of you. Hang in there and keep up the good work!

Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Haislip

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Riddles by CPT Butt’s 8th graders

6-9

Fuma Trees

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Highlight: Serving to Protect our Freedom Lacrosse Tryouts

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CPT Keithley’s Resource 8th Grade Poetry Showcase

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We’ve been busy...

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The Bayonet

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Basketball

By Clyde Sinkler, Bayonet Reporter

d nde e t . jus er St m v a o ea ll t win was n. a b It et so 18 ask a 26- ond. e sea b l e Th with ichm orab : R e m n dat so s in me Up ir sea her’ ap a p oc the risto yt h C wa t a gre

I’m Clyde Sinkler and this is my first year at Fork Union Military Academy. I’m on the basketball team. Our team has a lot of talent, but we need to work harder to get to the next level. I would say that J. D. Buchholz is the captain of the team. He always keeps everyone motivated and up and ready to play. The basketball

team is like a brotherhood. We look out for each other and try to keep each other from getting stuck.

Coaches Keithley and Butt are great coaches.

They understand the game, what each person is capable of doing, and they give everyone a fair chance. Overall we are having a good season and sticking together.

Interview with CPT Smith about Bridge Building Exploratory

By Jonathan Smalara, Bayonet Reporter Q: What is your exploratory?

A: Bridge Building Q: What is the goal?

A: Have the guys get an understanding of how to put together a popsicle bridge Q: Explain the process.

A: Use Elmer’s Glue and Popsicle sticks to make a 2’ long bridge of a certain weight that can withstand lots of weight over time at the competition.

Q: When/where is the competition?

A: Sunday, Feb. 10 at Science Museum of Virginia Q: What is the prize?

A: 1st place: $100 2nd place: $50

Q:Is there anything else you would like us to know about the exploratory or the competition?

A: The guys have been working very hard with not much time to work since Christmas break.

This helps them learn to work together to complete a challenging project.

See how they did on the next page!!

Volume 18, Issue 3

3

What is one thing you really appreciate about FUMA?

“I appreciate the family I have here. I feel like I have a building full of brothers.” –LTC Washington

“The thing I appreciate about FUMA is the atmosphere it gives my two boys. We can go out and play and it’s safe.” – MAJ Devault

“I appreciate how the school treats me, whether I am good or bad. I like how I have grown in sports, behavior, and academics.” – Cadet Nick Orsa “One thing I appreciate about Fork Union is that it provides an opportunity to bring your grades up from your previous school. My grades have gone up tremendously.” – Cadet Cameron Smith

Middle School Cadets Take Part in Bridge-Building Competition Sponsored by ASCE

Sam Pierce, Steele Smith, Scott Robel, and Mical Ramos with their entries at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Cadets Mical Ramos, Steele Smith, Samuel Pierce, and Scott Robel were all active participants in the 2013 popsicle bridge contest sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) which took place in Richmond, Virginia at the Science Museum of Virginia on February 10th. In spite of the fact that these cadets got a late start working on these projects, they did an awesome job building their bridges during the 45 minutes of their Friday morning exploratory period cadets worked diligently during the time allotted, even meeting during a few Sunday afternoons close to the date of the competition. A huge “thank you” goes to Ms. Roberson-Ramos, parent of Mical Ramos, who first made us aware of this competition and who coordinated the event for the cadets. She came to FUMA on several occasions to assist the cadets with their bridges in preparation for the contest. Having learned from this experience, we hope to continue taking advantage of this opportunity in the future.

4

The Bayonet Wrestling Report

By Jonathan Hegler, Bayonet Reporter

Over the course of the wrestling season, our team was riddled with injuries, including concussions, torn ligaments, and even two wrestlers whith broken arms.

Through all the trials and tribulations we have done well in many areas of wrestling. Thanks to Coach Boggs extreme training, we have become faster, stronger, and more confident. In our first match against Collegiate, we dominated them. For a team of beginning wrestlers, we have done very well. Because of Coach Greenspon’s awesome coaching

skills, we have gone from a team of inexperienced, young wrestlers to a dominant team that shows promise.

Middle School Holds 1st Semester Awards Ceremony

Eighth grade "President's List" cadets, Micah Giszack, Shane Maryk, and J.D. Buchholz, pose with LTC Feathers

On Monday, January 28th, the Middle School held its 1st semester Awards Ceremony in the Wicker Chapel. Cadets were recognized for their efforts in the many different areas of cadet life. Ribbons, which are worn on the cadet battle jacket, were awarded to those cadets who made President's List (straight A's and Excellent Conduct status), Honor Roll (all A's and B's), Meritorious Conduct (10 or more each grading period), and Excellent Conduct for the semester. In addition, cadets who participated in J.V. football, fall soccer, and cross country were recognized by their coaches with an athletic pin for their letter jacket.

Volume 18, Issue 3

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Interview with Mrs. Haislip Middle School Administrative Assistant How would you describe your job?

A little bit of everything. I do all the money, all the allowance. I record academic honors, all the meeting and greeting parents when they come in, and answering the phone.

I see this office as being kind of a crossroads for administration, teachers, cadets, and parents.

Is that hard, that aspect of your job?

I like it. I feel like it kind of makes me belong, and I belong to all of them, the parents, the cadets, and the teachers. I feel like my office is the hub of the Middle School.

What is your normal/average daily routine? Or is there a normal?

The first thing is usually recording the merits and demerits. Really, whatever happens that needs to be taken care of, whether it’s helping a cadet check his sugar, handing out aspirin or cough drops, or just whatever needs to be done, like a parent calling to get a message to cadets. There is no routine except for the demerits; the rest of the day can be anything from lining up counseling, getting cadets notes, setting up meetings, to providing tour guides.

Do you like this aspect that there is not a consistent schedule?

Yes, I like that much better than something like an assembly line. It is much nicer to not always know what you are going to be doing. And things often quiet down in the afternoons when students are at athletics What are some of your favorite FUMA moments?

Seeing a kid who came here and went from making unsatisfactory conduct and bad grades, and for the light bulb to come on and for them to turn around completely and end up with academic honors and excellent conduct. To me that is what makes it all worthwhile.

What are some of the harder things about your job?

Seeing a cadet who makes a mistake, and has to pay high consequences for his actions. It can be heartbreaking. They’re just babies; we all make wrong choices in our lives, and I tell them all the time nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes. What is important is that we learn from our mistakes.

Has raising kids and grandkids changed your perspective on dealing with middle school kids?

I’ve always felt that when teachers have a child of their own, their way of dealing with kids changes entirely. They have more patience, realizing cadets are children and are not perfect. When you have children of your own you realize that.

What is your favorite time of year at FUMA? Spring. I think we have a beautiful campus. Springtime is my favorite time of year, anyway, when everything is coming to life. It’s a busy time of year, though.

Is it hard to keep LTC Feathers and LTC Blanchetti on track?

Ha! No, we kind of keep each other on track. We work together as a team. A lot of times we sit down and talk about things together, such as updating and changing the handbook. Sometimes one of us will see something that the other doesn’t see, something that one of us hasn’t thought of.

You’re a 9-month employee. What do you do with your summers?

I work in the hayfields. Starting from the time we get out of school until the first of July we do hay. We do round bales and square bales. Last year we put up 5,000 square bales and 250 round bales. So I actually do more physical work during the summer than I do during the rest of the season.

The Bayonet

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Riddles from CPT Butt’s Class Riddle

Riddle

by Cadet Shane Maryk

by Cadet Dalton Fowler

Bent, twisted, and hidden Manipulated in times of desperation Clouded and deceived Played in childish games And placed in every creed Hunted in confusion

The victor By which history is written A doorway to a world Of knowledge and emotion Leaving a little bit of myself Everywhere I go

Searched for in times unclear I can set people free… At least those that want to hear…

Harsh, disturbing, relieving and completing

Squeaking, Chewing, Tapping The harbinger of unfathomable And unstoppable creation

Painful, tough, and usually intriguing I cause scars so deep they can’t be seen

The ability to destroy Is at my feet

My pain hurts more than knives I am a commandment, a virtue, and a value in life….

What am I?

Grasped by The fingers of millions.

What am I?

Riddle

Riddle

by Cadet Denzel Hunter-Shaw

by Cadet Cole Gallaudet

Taking away mistakes and wrongdoings Rubbing my head against trees Shrinking in size as I get older I sit in the same cup day by day Leaving a piece of me behind after every job

~Bottomless Endless Nothing to be found Open eyes Can’t see

A weapon that

Listening Ears

Mind changers making a masterpiece

Can’t hear

Keep in hand just in case.

No walls

I seem to always be there for my other end

Nor barriers

When he messes up.

Non-existent

What am I?

No thing. No one. No hope

Still trapped

Only black Darkness, death, down without end.

What am I?

Volume 18, Issue 3 Riddle

by Cadet Khari Coley-Trice Harder than fingernails, Softer than bones.

You drop me and I am bruised. wrapped in red or green blankets holding black babies inside.

Worms find me attractive.

The reason you’re clothed.

The succulent taste of temptation And knowledge.

The reason you lie.

You don’t live forever because of me.

Sweet maybe sour. I created gravity. the flavor of your chap stick.

The smell of your perfume.

7 Riddle

by Cadet Jonathan Hegler I’m dark I’m destructive You’ll be unsuspecting when I strike I tear apart families and shatter the hearts of loved ones Quick and quiet or slow and painful I’m a worldwide fear cloaked in black hiding around every dark corner Under every bed Just waiting for my chance to strike For some I’m just the beginning For others I’m the much dreaded end.

What am I?

Your evening snack when you make me right.

What am I?

Riddle

by Cadet Bryce Mitchell

Riddle

Dusty, moldy, torn, and crumbled

by Cadet Alex Jenkins Loud quiet dry cold

Whispers all around me

Smooth rough

Moist and hard hands are grasping me

Whistling flowing drowning out sounds

Keeping you at the edge of your seat

What I hold can cut you The children of trees Different titles Different people Different ratings Action, drama, comedy, plays, and fiction

Flying strong weak small Big breathing twirling Can’t see me but Can see what I do

Hard and soft

I’m all around you

Full of life and full of wonder

But never in one place

With certain mysteries undiscovered By those who can’t decipher Containing millions of characters.

What am I?

I suck things up but Spit them right back out.

What am I?

The Bayonet

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Riddle Riddle

by Cadet Jonathan Walker As small as a flake of dandruff, Dissolved when touched by water or heat, I am a pure white like Santa’s beard, Creating a crust of ice crystals,

by Cadet Micah Giszack When your writing needs my help, I’m there at the flip of a wrist.

You don’t like it when I shave, leaving my body behind.

Color, shape, they don’t matter:

Also can form a ball,

I am one in the same.

I’m a person who removes the ones that don’t belong.

Those inkheads do their best to snub me, but I’m not phased

Used to be rain until after the Fall.

When you say something you don’t like,

What am I?

I can take your words back;

Tasty when you add flavor, If you lie on your back and do jumping jacks you can make lovely creatures, Making milk into silk, Causing you to slip,

If you rub me the wrong way, I will do my job anyway Riddle

by Cadet John Davis Wet, but not from rain, Sandy, but not in a box, Wavy, but not hair,

I am known to be flexible in my body, but if overworked, I will diminish.

What am I?

Fishy, but not behind glass,

Riddle

Castles, but unpopulated,

by Cadet Jacob Holsapple

Teeth scattered, but not a dentist’s office,

Can be owned, can’t be touched

Birds, but not a bird house,

Can work with or against you

Relaxing, but not a couch,

Can break you down and drive you to the ground

Diamonds, but floating in the air, Jelly, but not in a jar, Poles, but not supporting any structures.

What Am I?

With it you need great responsibility Can drive you insane Evil can get into minds Cause to manipulate Desired by all breathing things Used to dominate over others Some say I’m equal to money Can build a foundation for your life Can be earned by showing leadership.

What am I?

Volume 18, Issue 3 Riddle

by Cadet Clyde Sinkler Flying through the air.

9 Riddle

by Cadet Isaiah Shaw Constantly sustaining warmth, Giving others pathways,

Like a bird soaring through trees.

Spotting out any dimness.

Made from a pig but not pink and not as big.

I’m played with during family gatherings and on TV. When I drop people’s countenances drop.

Glistening like a diamond,

Unleashed into the air with a sharp twist.

Irritating annoying beams,

Some people in Europe would say “What is this?”

Life giving in golden heaven,

I’m marked all over.

Fast heavy electrical strikes.

By different kinds of celebrities My favorite part of being me is getting,

Illuminating moon rays,

grabbed out of the air.

Reflecting sun spots,

Like a new born baby.

Born into all good, Being cold hearted with too much remorse.

The twitter of a gallant feather, Faintness of a water drop, Freeing well-lit rooms from darkness.

What am I?

Riddle

by Cadet Nick Orsa When wet I fall apart, When dry I am mighty.

People will mess me up, Tear, Tatter, Rip, and many more, But I am still who I am.

In groups I’m heavier than bricks, Alone I’m lighter than a feather.

Depressed when put away into drawers, Excited when graffitied Born as a seed, And I grew up in a factory.

When crumbled I never recover, So don’t.

My father is a tree, But I’m not a bush.

Make me into a hat, boat, plane, crane, Who or what am I?

The Bayonet

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FUMA Trees As the weather warms after the long and dark months of January and February, the FUMA campus begins to brighten up with new leaves and flowering trees. One of the first trees to bring color is the Japanese Magnolia; the most prominent on campus grows in front of the Memorial Hall, towards the old Commandant’s building. One day this tree will look dead and gray, the next it will be a riot of white and purple blossoms. The flowers don’t last, though; all it takes is one strong rain for the ground beneath to be covered in sticky, browning petals.

Another early bloomer, and a memorable tree on campus, is the Eastern Redbud. Just like the magnolia, the redbud puts out flowers before leaves, so this stunning tree turns a deep pink before any green can be seen. For an example on campus, look no further than the Middle School circle, where a twisted, ancient redbud has entertained cadets for decades. The branches curve down to the ground as an irresistible climbing attraction, or a comfortable perch.

Keep an eye out for this beautiful redbud in late March and early April.

Highlight: Serving to Protect our Freedom We continue our highlight of cadets with family members in the Armed Forces who have faithfully served our country.

Alex Tidman, 21, is the brother of Middle School Cadet Steven Tidman. Alex works as a cavalry scout in the Army, and is currently stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where he lives with his wife, Sarah, and their new baby, Scarlett. Steven talked about Alex, and how he looks up to his brother. “He was one of the reasons why I came to FUMA. I have always liked military stuff, so I thought that if I could come to this school, maybe I could get in the Army just like he did.” Steven said his brother was an Eagle Scout, and joined the JROTC in high school. Even though Alex has been in the military for about two years, Steven said his family gets to see him every few months. “We were at Fort Knox when he graduated from boot camp. We try to hang out a lot. We play football, sometimes video games, and just hang out.”

Steven loves to tell people about his brother. “I’m proud to talk about him,” Steven said. “I’m proud of him because he is in the Army and serving our country.”

Volume 18, Issue 3

11 LAX Tryouts

By Cpt. Jonathan Hegler, Bayonet Reporter Lacrosse season has just begun and just about fifty percent of the middle school corps has signed up. The intense tryouts are preparing us for lots of running and are building up our endurance. The tryouts are also showing Coach Greenspon and Coach Smith who really wants to play and is willing to work hard to become better.

Although most of the guys who signed up have never played before I believe with Coach Greenspon and Coach Smith’s coaching skills they will learn fast. The encouragement that the players give each other is amazing. If someone gets a cramp on a run and slows down, the whole team encourages that person to keep going. Some guys even slow down and run alongside that person. When the team does hills and someone slips or falls, teammates help him up and encourage him to keep going. Even though cuts will be made the players who make it will make an enthusiastic and electric team.

CPT Keithley’s Resource Tip: When outlining a section in your textbook, find the main idea or topic sentence in the paragraph.

The topic sentence is usually in the first sentence of the paragraph, but the second most popular place author’s put the main idea is in the last sentence of the paragraph. Make sure you read the paragraph, because the topic sentence can be found in the middle of the paragraph or the topic sentence can be missing altogether! With practice, you’ll be able to dissect your textbook and recognize topic sentences within paragraphs with increased speed. Study skills are skills that need to be practiced!

The Bayonet

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Basketball Practice

by Cadet Jimmy Lehman

First Day

by Cadet Nathan Levan

Changing into

Entering that big brick building My heart beats a thousand miles an hour Sweat slides down my cheek

Old worn out jerseys Basketball practice is like oxygen Needing that breath of new air Ready to push myself

New faces

Stretch tight muscles

Soft whispers Short chuckles Their stares burning holes through me I feel like an outcast Misplaced Mismatched Myriad of dreams scatter and fall apart in my mind It’s like breaking your collar bone in practice before playoffs

Drills Lay-ups, Passing and Sprinting Hustling and Working Hard Fundamentals Talk about mistakes Walk through Full Speed Very Energetic To be a starter you have to

Yearning for mom’s warm hug

Battle and Smash

Dad’s warm smile

Tired, Exhausted, Worn-out

Hot tears fill my eyes

Wiping my dripping face of sweat with My Smelly and Damp Jersey

Hands press against my shoulders Glancing back Caring smile Tender grip “You’ll fit right in,” LTC Feathers says.

Which Sticks to my bare skin As practice goes on Suck in pure oxygen and remember why I love this so much.

Volume 18, Issue 3

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Pole Vaulting

by Cadet Cole Gallaudet Sea of eyes burning holes into me, feeling like a piece of Swiss cheese.

Arms begin to feel weak.

My name stands out from the constant shouting, and I take my place on the runway.

I stare down the path, my goal only a couple yards away The yards become miles, and I begin to feel discouraged, like receiving an F- for your midterms, and only having 3 weeks to bring up that grade.

But I have not 3 weeks, nor even 3 minutes, only 6 steps of the left foot.

I have to do this.

I step back, and take some heavy breaths, letting my world fade to blackness.

Sounds disappear, the taste of uncertainty in my mouth.

I charge forward, like a soldier with a bayonet.

Closer.

Closer.

Closer.

The pit is only 3 steps away. I ready my pole and plant it into the pit.

Slowly I bend backwards on the pole like a rubber band before launching upwards.

I release the bayonet, as I sail skywards, leaving the victim behind.

The Bayonet

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The Roommate

by Cadet Hamilton Griffin

Waking Up

by Cadet Jacob Rising

Getting a roommate is like going on a blind date You can’t trust everything You must

Waking up to burning eyes-

A new roommate

Officers turn on the lights.

Noise of TVs pour through the vent like a wave By the time I get up it’s 6:25

This isn’t the first time

I hate waking up-

I hope this will be different

Like an allergic reaction

Questions pop instantly

A new rash every day.

Use your senses Sometimes there is a connection Others it’s simply a staring contest.

How old is he?

Is he a bully?

Jock or jerk?

First impressions They always stick Rushing to clean Swiftly and quickly Skating on the floor You scrub and scrub You mend the wounds of your chamber He will be here, soon, The door creaks open…

Scared Nervous He is nothing like I’ve expected He is different You hear the accent This won’t change anything Will it?

A day goes by, You think of him, He is a brother It seems you have been through everything together Getting stuck, arguments, forgiveness This is truly brotherhood

The date has been successful

It’s like opening up your door to a warTo the screams and shoutsThe pushing and bad breath I fight my way to center Barracks to get to the showerBlinded by steamToothbrushes sounding like drills.

Just like that your day has started.

My body cries for more sleep.

Volume 18, Issue 3

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The Meet

by Cadet Khari Coley-Trice I walk in to the Estes

I grab my stomach from

It’s a bowl with no cereal

The Nervousness!

No one is really there.

The feeling of butterfly’s laughing

Like an empty skull with no brain

At my pain

But there will be.

My head gets hot,

It’s quiet

And then my chest.

Like a butterfly in a cocoon

I feel

But then.

Alone,

My stomach

I remember

In a

Drops.

I need to get my uniform.

Dark

The gun blows

On my way

Room.

Pow!

I see my coach

Then

I explode forward

Talking to a janitor

MY RACE!

I fly away

I say hi

Taking my pants off

I’m free.

In a happy tone

Getting my spikes on

He responds quietly

The butterfly’s about to take off

Time flies by

It’s time to run To the blocks

Asleep in Class

by Cadet Shane Maryk pitch darkness.

Feeling drowsy as I step into class Stifling out a yawn and putting my head down

But what’s that I hear?

Feeling so weak.

The muffled voices are back.

With immense strength

Yes, they’re much clearer now.

I turn my head to get comfortable.

The lead in my eyelids is too much… Closing the heavy eyes Teachers voice drones on and on… Yet slowly it fades as if muffled by a rush of water.

Hear nothing now…

All dark and empty…

Quiet and lonely…

A dreamless sleep… Like swimming in a pool of

Calling me, catching me, dragging me up out of the deep.

Waking to the teacher’s angry countenance, Just as the bell starts ringing…

Saved.

The Bayonet

16

We’ve been busy!!!!

ss ro c La

ry eT

-o

… uts

..

A dance…..

Owl Pellet dissection….. and a lot of other really cool things, too!!!

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