Senior Awards Night & USNA BGO

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katcali

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We are in need of guidance regarding Senior Awards Night. I've heard that sometimes the BGO presents the Plebe with their appointment (not sure what they present them with but I hear they talk about the appointee). I am trying to find out if it's appropriate to ask a dear family friend and former BGO for USNA rather then the present BGO to present our future Plebe on Senior Awards Night. Our friend was and is a tremendous resource in helping our family through this process in many ways. Any thoughts?
 
Hi. I can't speak for the Navy, but I'm sure the BGO would be fine with this. There really is no reason both couldn't be involved. While there is guidance, there are few hard and fast rules. My son had his CGA appointment presented by a Navy CDR and a freshly minted ensign (ensign's sister graduated with my son, and had been on HS swim team with him, his dad and I were childhood friends, it just worked out).
 
katcali said:
We are in need of guidance regarding Senior Awards Night. I've heard that sometimes the BGO presents the Plebe with their appointment (not sure what they present them with but I hear they talk about the appointee). I am trying to find out if it's appropriate to ask a dear family friend and former BGO for USNA rather then the present BGO to present our future Plebe on Senior Awards Night. Our friend was and is a tremendous resource in helping our family through this process in many ways. Any thoughts?
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Completely appropriate. Just ask.

As to what they will present, it will be the appointment folder/cetificate that they have already received. Sort of a show thing. In DS's case, he's alreay had his USNA appointment framed so they'll just give him an empty blue folder. Congrats and good:wink: luck!
 
If it's anything like the USAFA version, I believe there are key talking points provided to the ALO (BGO) that cover things like the exclusivity of an appointment, what the young person had to do to earn it, the value of the education at an SA, and more.

Perhaps the BGO could provide those to the other presenter if available?
 
While BGOs do enjoy making the presentations, they often occur at inconvenient times; so, often, we're scrambling to find substitutes and would welcome someone who has already stepped up. As another poster said, you can always ask your BGO if he/she wants to be included as well -- no harm, no foul and it is a bit "nicer" than saying you prefer someone else. If you decide not to do that, to be courteous, be sure to phrase it in the way you have in your original post so that the BGO doesn't think you were in some way dissatisfied with him/her (unless, of course, you were :wink:).
 
There are going to be a bunch of "ifs" here but need some advice. We absolutely LOVE our BGO-he was and is wonderful and guided my DD through this process with much wisdom. "If" she receives a placement to NAPS (a direct appointment is out of reach for her as she did not get a nomination), can we ask our BGO to present the placement at awards night?
 
Just curious what exactly what happens at senior award night? Does the BGO just give a typical speech( very hard, worthwhile, etc.) and then hands them a blue folder?
 
The Academy supplies a canned speech (which is very nice and brief) for BGOs to use at a high school awards ceremony. I highly recommend it and can be gotten from a BGO or the Academy's Candidate Guidance Office.
 
In our school, awards night are for every student receiving any type of award except athletic (that is a separate night). Scholarships are announced-just the top ones. It is usually in early May.
 
AuxNoob said:
My son had his CGA appointment presented by a Navy CDR and a freshly minted ensign (ensign's sister graduated with my son, and had been on HS swim team with him, his dad and I were childhood friends, it just worked out).
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I'm hoping at least the ensign was Coast Guard. Navy presenting a Coast Guard Academy appointment..... makes me shake my head.
 
Thank you! My DD is still waiting to hear and has a planned visit in a few weeks to a SA. Her plan B is a solid one. She's just grateful to be considered for a SA spot.
 
I'm hoping at least the ensign was Coast Guard. Navy presenting a Coast Guard Academy appointment..... makes me shake my head.
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Sadly, sometimes the presenter from the "right" service isn't available, doesn't show up, etc. Better to have someone present than no one.

Also, for USNA at least, we present the appointment certificate, which the appointee must bring. I haven't paid attention to what the other services use -- I assume it's the same thing. Ditto for NAPS/Foundation -- USNA will send a similar certificate for those "appointments." The key for the presenter, especially if the ceremony involves quite a few students, is to be short and sweet. Yes, an appointment is a tremendous accomplishment, but the friends and relatives of the other kids want "equal time.":)
 
Its almost a relief I know this sounds weird but I don't like all the attention you get from an appointment (sometimes it happens a lot)! Makes me feel weird haha.
 
LineInTheSand said:
I'm hoping at least the ensign was Coast Guard. Navy presenting a Coast Guard Academy appointment..... makes me shake my head.
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Navy Ensign. But like I said, it worked out. My son and his buddy from nursery school both got their appointments, son to CGAS, buddy to USNA. Ensign Josh's Dad was my childhood best friend. I chaperoned Josh on band trips. Son and buddy swam varsity with Ensign Josh, and his younger brother D. D was cadre for buddy at USNA. Buddy continued to salute D in the hall, while D would mumble "Cut it out, ****" out the side of his mouth. Ensign J was a friend. This is a small town, out n the middle of nowhere. Yes, CG would have been nice, but even the nearest AAP was better than three hours away. The Navy CDR recognized their sister service, and the importance of the CG appointment. It worked out.

That said, it was part of the reason that I considered being an Admissions Partner. CGA, and even CG has had no representation in this area for years, maybe decades. I've had the opportunity to meet some great kids in the short time I've been involved.
 
Love that story. There are some very under-represented areas out there for the Coast Gaurd Academy. Way to go!
 
Daughter's BGO could not be at graduation because of his wife's illness and distance to school. He did give her a big Hoorah when she attended ceremony for new USNA appointees in her brand new 2LT uniform and spoke at state capitol after her graduation. Had Commander at Naval Station Newport, another BGO, present appointment certificate (it is a certificate of appointment) at graduation ceremony. Dress Whites looked good on stage. Daughter was mortified and did not know we arranged it as he was hiding in the wings but I had a good night. Question from another graduate? How come no one gave me a scholarship presentation when I got mine to Ivy school? Had to laugh. New London was our next choice. Sorry LITS. Just check it out with the school and they will probably accommodate within reason (no long speech or value discussion).
 
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My son will have a representative from the USMA (son is a CC for the class of 2019) come to his graduation ceremony and at that time, the representative will give him the appointment certificate (we have to remember to bring it!).
 
Also.... The official ALO/BGO is certainly the first choice. But if they are not available, it's not unheard of for the head of that SA's local parent's organization to do the presentation.

In any case, these amazing young people do deserve their moment in the spotlight.
 
Is there anyway I can request they do the normal routine but I dont walk up to the stage? So I can just be recognized normally like everyone else?
 
@future_navy - why not just ask the person who'll do the presentation? Explain what you'd like in terms of presentation. Seems to me that is could be done this way.
 
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