Hargrave's Corps of Cadets have returned from the Easter/Spring Break with a ton of energy. Their focus and energy will be needed as we conclude the final leg of the 2015-2016 Academic Year. The next six weeks are full of academic, athletic and special events. It will be both exciting and rewarding for the Corps.

The first big event is the Junior Retreat, which will take place April 8-10. As the name implies, the Retreat is geared for the Hargrave Class of 2017. A lot of planning goes into the annual Retreat, which is very much like a corporate retreat many executives take their leadership teams to visit. It is time for Hargrave juniors to come together and start thinking about their leadership of the Hargrave Corps of Cadets for the 2016-2017 Academic year. A lot of 'bonding' goes on and Cadets get to know other Cadets who are not in their companies.

Who will they lead? What will they improve? How will they set the example? These questions will challenge each junior at the Retreat. This is big. In less than two months the Class of 2016 will pass the baton of leadership to the Class of 2017.

On April 16, the Sophomore Challenge kicks off. The Challenge prepares the sophomore class for their leadership role as rising juniors. While each Hargrave senior class provides direction, it falls to the Hargrave junior class to make it happen in the Corps. They will become the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) or simply put, the "Sergeants". I will give you a truism from my Army career--NCOs make things happen. It's true here at Hargrave. It is arguably the most important year to prepare at Hargrave.

The following week, April 22d and 23d, it's all hands on deck for Homecoming 2016. While the focus is alumni, parents can visit as well--and I strongly encourage parents to attend. On Friday, April 22, Hargrave will hold its annual Military Tattoo. The evening Tattoo is a formal military retreat centered around the evening 'retiring of the National Colors'. It begins at 6:00 p.m. on Company Street. On Saturday, April 23, the Cadets will hold a Military Parade at 11:00 a.m. for our returning guests. I'm looking forward to both events.

Hargrave will welcome its Spring 2016 Distinguished Speaker on April 29. Major General (U.S. Army, Ret) Tony Taguba will provide the address to the Corps at 11:00. Look for more information on our Speaker soon, but parents are invited and I know he will have great message and both Cadets and adults will gain from hearing it.

The Annual President's Inspection of the Corps is April 30. That means all the Cadets will be standing tall in the barracks for an inspection beginning at 8:00. This is a final chance for each company to shine and demonstrate how they look better than their peers. For the Cadet Chain of Command this is the culmination of the year's worth of work and leadership.

Immediately following the President's Inspection, Congressman Robert Hurt (R-5, VA) will conduct a Service Academy Information Briefing in the auditorium beginning at 1:00. Cadets who have a desire or interest in attending a Service Academy should not miss this briefing. Representatives from United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy will be in attendance. It does not matter if you are a resident of the Virginia 5th Congressional District. If your son has a desire to attend a Service Academy--I strongly recommend that he attend this information session.

As soon as the Service Academy Information Session is complete we will start the Eye of the Tiger competition. The unseasonably cold and wet weather several weeks ago made conditions unsafe for the competition. So, we will look for more moderate temps this time around.

Wow! That's a busy month of April! Let me emphasize how important it is for every young man to be in attendance at all events. Please, check your calendars at this important time of year!

And once April is complete--we get into exams and graduation. It's just around the corner.

Former Hargrave Cadet, Shaq Lawson '13, wrote an article, just published in The Bleacher Report. Shaq has been playing football for Clemson and is widely regarded as a first round selection in this month's NFL Draft. Shaq has several great things to say about our school. I think one quote put his entire time at Hargrave into perspective.


We are back and the Cadets have safely returned. Please remember to engage the Hargrave faculty with any academic performance issues with your son. Now is the time to address issues, and take corrective actions as parents. You see and know things about your son that are extremely valuable in the learning process. Please engage now and don't wait till the end of the year.

Lastly, don't hesitate to get those re-enrollment contracts completed and processed, so you can lock in the Tuition For Life (TFL). The clock is winding down, you don't want to miss the TFL deadline. If you have questions, contact the Admissions Office--soon!

Best regards,

Don Broome

BG, USA (Ret.)

President