Forty-five cadets received their high school diplomas during Fork Union Military Academy's 128th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 22. Despite cool temperatures and threatening weather, rain held off long enough for families, friends, faculty, staff, and alumni to gather at Stadium Field and celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.

The Class of 2026 leaves Fork Union Military Academy with a remarkable record of achievement. To date, the senior class has earned more than $9.8 million in merit scholarships, the highest total recorded since scholarship tracking began in 2020. The class also achieved 100% college acceptance, with 91% of graduates accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

Graduation speaker Waverly "Wave" Washington, a Charlottesville native and 2008 graduate of Fork Union Military Academy, reflected on his journey from the Academy to a distinguished career in military service and public policy. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, Washington served more than 13 years as an Air Defense Artillery officer in the U.S. Army, holding leadership assignments across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East before serving as an Army Congressional Fellow on Capitol Hill.

In his address, Washington challenged members of the Class of 2026 to recognize the value of the lessons they have earned through perseverance, discipline, and sacrifice. Reflecting on his own experiences, he credited Fork Union Military Academy with providing the foundation that shaped his success and encouraged graduates to embrace difficult challenges, trust in the character they have built, and carry forward the Academy's tradition of leadership and service. He concluded by urging graduates to be the people who step forward when called upon, reminding them that Fork Union produces individuals willing to answer, "Here am I, send me."

William E. Hatcher Valedictorian Nicholas Coleman also addressed his classmates during the ceremony.

Coleman reflected on the transition from cadets to graduates, challenging his fellow seniors to embrace the lifelong responsibility of being "Fork Union men." He described a Fork Union man as one guided by faith, integrity, humility, service, and leadership, emphasizing that the Academy's mission extends far beyond graduation. Coleman encouraged his classmates to carry the values instilled during their time at Fork Union into their families, careers, communities, and future endeavors while remembering the lifelong bond they share as members of the Class of 2026.

Coleman, the son of Brian and Jennifer Coleman of Woodbridge, Virginia, and a Fork Union Trustee Scholar, has attended the Academy since the eighth grade. He graduates with the highest academic distinction in the Class of 2026, earning a cumulative GPA of 4.87. During his time at Fork Union, Coleman was a member of the debate team and academic team, served as captain of the cross country and track and field teams, and attained the rank of Cadet Colonel. He will attend the United States Military Academy this fall, where he plans to study American Politics.

Following the Valedictory Address, Fork Union Military Academy recognized its Honor Graduates. To earn this distinction, cadets must have completed at least two years at the Academy between grades 9–12, achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher during their senior year, and demonstrated exceptional conduct and character.

In addition to William E. Hatcher Valedictorian Nicholas Coleman, the following members of the Class of 2026 were recognized as Honor Graduates:

• Robert Callahan, son of Christine Spiak and James Callahan of Greer, South Carolina, earned a cumulative GPA of 4.44 and will attend the Savannah College of Art and Design to study Sound Design.
• Colton Childers, son of Jeff and Sabriena Richardson of Anchorage, Alaska, earned a cumulative GPA of 3.80 and will attend the Virginia Military Institute to study Mechanical Engineering.
• Zaden Cottam, son of Dale and Tamara Cottam of Thayne, Wyoming, earned a cumulative GPA of 3.83 and will attend Texas Tech University to study Animal Science.
• Francisco Duarte, son of Tracy and Francisco Duarte of Chester, Virginia, earned a cumulative GPA of 3.54 and will attend James Madison University to study Engineering.
• Tyler Hill, son of Jun Qin and Thomas Hill of Weston, Massachusetts, earned a cumulative GPA of 3.89 and will attend the University of Connecticut to study Electrical Engineering.
• Nhan Hoang, son of Tuan Hoang and Huong Nguyen of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, earned a cumulative GPA of 3.75 and will attend the University of Oregon to study Business Management.
• Elijah Hunt, son of George and Becky Hunt of Mechanicsville, Virginia, earned a cumulative GPA of 3.77 and will attend Reynolds Community College to study Motorsports Engineering.
• Illia Komina, son of Natalia Kivtiukh of Uzyn, Ukraine, earned a cumulative GPA of 3.75 and will attend Cleveland State University to study Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering.
• Christian Mukhisa, son of Anne Bolden and Winnie Maina of Wichita, Kansas, earned a cumulative GPA of 4.32 and will attend Wichita State University to study Electrical and Computer Engineering.
• Ellis Roberts, son of Cara Roberts of Highland, Maryland, earned a cumulative GPA of 4.14 and will attend Mississippi State University to study Veterinary Science.
• Brandon Scheel, son of Brandon Scheel and Jennifer and Eric McClung of Norfolk, Virginia, earned a cumulative GPA of 3.54 and will attend James Madison University to study Business.
• William Zeron, son of Jose and Carla Zeron of Brooklyn, New York, earned a cumulative GPA of 4.17 and will attend Houghton University on an ROTC scholarship to study Criminology.

The Class of 2026 also produced four Congressional nominations to U.S. service academies, including nominations from both Virginia senators to one candidate. Three graduates earned ROTC scholarships, including one Navy ROTC scholarship and two Army ROTC scholarships, while three seniors chose to serve their country through enlistment in the United States Army, Army National Guard, and United States Marine Corps.

As the newest alumni of Fork Union Military Academy begin the next chapter of their lives, they do so carrying forward a legacy of academic excellence, leadership, character, and service that has defined the Academy for more than 125 years.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

PHOTOS: Graduation - May 22, 2026 - FUMA