Forty-one cadets received their high school diplomas during the 127th Commencement Ceremony at Fork Union Military Academy on Friday, May 23. It was a beautiful morning for an outdoor celebration at Stadium Field, with the sun shining as brightly as the smiles on the faces of proud families, friends, and alumni.

Pastor Dave Vogt, of Antioch Baptist Church in Scottsville, Virginia, delivered the 2025 Commencement Address. Pastor Vogt has been preaching since the age of 17 and has faithfully served as Antioch’s pastor since 2014. A devoted husband to his wife Laura and father to their six children, he is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus and staying active in his community. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, sports, studying the Bible, and traveling.

Niv Patel, the William E. Hatcher Valedictorian, delivered an outstanding Valedictory Address. Reflecting on fond memories, Patel expressed his heartfelt thanks to his family, faculty, and staff for their guidance and support, and most importantly, he shared gratitude for his fellow classmates in the Class of 2025.

Patel, the son of Pritul and Sweety Patel of Suffolk, Virginia, has been a cadet at Fork Union since the eighth grade. He graduates with the highest academic distinction, holding a cumulative GPA of 4.72, and will attend North Carolina State University in the fall to pursue studies in a STEM field.

Following the Valedictory Address, Fork Union Military Academy proudly announced 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.

The Honor Graduates of the Class of 2025 are:

Daley Adams, son of Kathryn Adams of Herndon, Virginia, joined the Academy in the tenth grade and has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.59. Daley will attend Virginia Tech, where he will study Water Resource Management as a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Joseph Athey, son of David and Vanessa Athey of Woodsboro, Maryland, joined the Academy in the ninth grade and has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.73. Joseph will attend Virginia Tech, where he will study Mechanical Engineering.

Ian Egbert, son of Mark and Janine Egbert of Englewood, Florida, joined the Academy in the tenth grade and has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.74. Ian will attend the University of South Florida, where he will study Business Management.

Miles Graybill, son of John Graybill and Tracy Wang of Heath, Texas, joined the Academy in the eighth grade and has earned a cumulative GPA of 4.40. Miles will attend Texas A&M University, where he will study History as a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Sean Hurley, son of John and Erin Hurley of Scottsville, Virginia. Sean joined the Academy in the eighth grade and has earned a cumulative GPA of 4.23. Sean will attend James Madison University, where he will study Engineering.

Malachi Walsh, son of Chris and Samantha Walsh of Genesee, Idaho, joined the Academy in the eleventh grade and has earned a cumulative GPA of 4.12. Malachi will attend Lewis-Clark State College, where he will begin his Pre-Med path as a member of the Track and Cross-Country teams.

Nicholas Willis, son of Michelle Adelstein of Ellicott City, Maryland, joined the Academy in the tenth grade and has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.74. Nicholas will attend Mount Saint Mary’s University, where he will study Criminal Justice.

Fork Union Military Academy is proud to report that 100% of the Class of 2025 has been accepted to college. The 41 graduates received offers of admission to 112 different colleges and universities, earning a combined total of over $4 million in merit and athletic scholarships.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025, your legacy of excellence continues!

PHOTOS: Graduation - May 23, 2025 - FUMA