Fork Union Military Academy celebrated its 41 seniors on the evening before Commencement with its annual Senior BBQ and Senior Awards Ceremony, held Thursday night in the Wicker Chapel.

The event featured a time of fellowship and recognition as faculty, staff, and families gathered to honor the achievements of the Class of 2025. More than ten awards were presented, along with the announcement of the seven honor graduates, the Valedictorian, and the Salutatorian.

Miles Graybill, the 2025 Salutatorian, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring address during the ceremony. The son of John Graybill and Tracy Wang of Heath, Texas, Miles joined the Academy in the eighth grade and has maintained a cumulative GPA of 4.40. He will attend Texas A&M University, where he plans to study History and join the Corps of Cadets.

Following Graybill’s address, faculty members presented the evening’s awards to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and character.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on your accomplishments, and best wishes as you embark on the next chapter of your journey!

William E. Hatcher Valedictorian Award:
Niv Patel

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

Harry M. Waldron Salutatorian Award:
Miles Graybill

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

J.R. Wildman English Award:
Philippe Lianavwa, Jr.

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

J.W. Pendergrass Social Studies Award:
Sawyer Leko

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

Most Valuable Senior Award:
Niv Patel

Awarded to the senior who received the most merit scholarships.

The Miles Music Award:
Joseph Athey

Awarded to the best overall band member.  

Fred Hardy Award:
Mekyi Shepard & Malachi Walsh

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:
Simon Price

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

Randle Athletic Award:
Luke Boucher-Zazzaro

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

Charles Rogers Leadership Award:
Miles Graybill

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

The Battalion Leadership Award:
Daley Adams

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

General Douglas MacArthur Award:
Ian Egbert

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

COL A. Duane Fender Award:
Peyton Cottey

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

JROTC & ROTC Americanism Award:
Nicholas Willis

I.A. Howell Best All Around Cadet Award:
Malachi Walsh

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