Fork Union Military Academy celebrated its 45 seniors on the evening before Commencement with its annual Senior Awards Ceremony, held Thursday night in Wicker Chapel, followed by a special sit-down dinner featuring prime rib in Estes Dining Hall.
The event provided a time of fellowship and recognition as faculty, staff, and families gathered to honor the achievements of the Class of 2026. More than 15 awards were presented, along with the announcement of the Academy’s 13 honor graduates, Valedictorian, and Salutatorian.
Chrysander Rahardjo, the 2026 Harry M. Waldron Salutatorian, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring address during the ceremony. The son of Marcia Lisanto and Ian Rahardjo of Auckland, New Zealand, Rahardjo joined the Academy in the ninth grade as a Trustee Scholar and earned a cumulative GPA of 4.70. He will attend Duke University on a full scholarship through the QuestBridge Match, where he plans to study Mechanical Engineering.
In his remarks, Rahardjo reflected on the Class of 2026’s journey from their first check-in day to graduation, highlighting the discipline, accountability, faith, and brotherhood that shaped their time at Fork Union. He reminded his classmates that they did not come to the Academy to stay the same, but to leave stronger, more courageous, and bonded by shared experiences and lifelong memories.
Following Rahardjo’s address, faculty members presented the evening’s awards, recognizing cadets for academic excellence, leadership, service, character, and achievement.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on your accomplishments, and best wishes as you begin the next chapter of your journey!
Awarded to the senior with the highest-grade point average.
Awarded to the senior with the second highest-grade point average.
Awarded to the senior with the highest academic average in English.
Awarded to the cadet with the highest academic average in US History and US Government.
Awarded to the senior who received the most merit scholarships. Sereno has been accepted to 10 universities and has been awarded $1.6 million in scholarships.
Awarded to the best overall band member.
Awarded to a senior who pursues excellence in track and field and places the team above his own accolades.
Awarded to the captain or co-captain of a prep athletic team with the highest-grade point average.
Awarded to the best all-around athlete who has been in attendance at the Academy for at least two years.
Awarded to a senior who exemplifies the characteristics of Charles Rogers.
Awarded to the senior who best embodies three principles of General MacArthur: honor, duty, and country.
Awarded to a cadet who has shown individual development throughout his time at the Academy.
Awarded by the Admissions Department to the international family who has been the most instrumental to the Academy.
Awarded by the Admissions Department to the domestic family who has been the most instrumental to the Academy.
Awarded to the senior who is considered the best all-around cadet.
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