WP Appointment Presentation on Senior Awards ceremony

Monarchs'19

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Oct 11, 2018
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Recently I heard about the appointment presentation. While at my son's school for an event, I inquired his HS counselor about the School Awards ceremony and West Point appointment presentation logistics. He mentioned that school has not done it such presentation before to his knowledge but he will find out if possible. I was wondering if there is any format/content/time needed etc. available for such presentation that I can share with him.
 
It will probably be your FFR if they are available. To my knowledge there is no "official presentation".

Child 1: FFR in a suit walked up presented a certificate and paused for picture. Done
Child 2: FFR in a suit walked up presented a certificate and paused for picture. Done

Both times watched NROTC and AROTC in uniform walk up with big checks that said "$1.5 Billion Scholarship" or some other goofy $ amount and made a small speech.

My children appreciated the low key approach.
 
At DD's academic awards ceremony in the spring, they did a presentation. There is a local man who was a grad who had recently retired from the service and read a short speech (for lack of a better word). I had seen something similar online from another cadet from last spring and the wording was very similar, if not exact. My guess is that it comes from someone in admissions if someone requests it, I have no other explanation for the similarity. Two ceremonies, states apart, with the same verbage?.......I would look into it, because it was really nice, and extremely moving. I believe it was set up through the guidance department, but we had no knowledge of it before going into the auditorium.
 
I found this FFR SOP a couple months ago. Not sure if it is current, but starting on bottom page 16 it provides protocol and script for FFR appointment presentation.
http://www.west-point.org/society/wps-michigan/FieldForceSOP.pdf

That's pretty much what the retired officer said. Added some things here and there, but that is what I was talking about. May seem a bit rehearsed, reading it here, but when your cadet candidate is on the stage, and this is being read, ...........have a tissue ready.
 
And for lurkers reading this, keep in mind that not all schools allow the SA presentation (sadly). Also some kids for different reasons don’t want the attention brought on them and prefer a low key acknowledgement of their appointment. They should realize, it’s not all about them, but also an opportunity to educate the public and potential candidates as to the benefits of attending an SA, and encourage other students wishing to serve their country to apply.
For some schools such as my DS school, there is little to no knowledge of the SA’s and the process to successfully gaining an appointment.
The award presentation by the Academy official is an opportunity to enlighten the students and public as to what it’s all about. This to me is the most important part. There are other students who would be great candidates for an SA, but never choose the path due to lack of knowledge, but the presentation may stimulate them into seeking more information and ultimately applying. Most schools also like to celebrate big “scholarships “ and are also proud of their students successes.
 
My 2023 is on the fence about the presentation and I am hoping he allows it. He feels it's a lot of attention and not enough on his peers. He was not at his brothers senior night a few years ago and the FFR was amazing. A lot of people in our small community have helped our boys get to where they are going and I truly hope he chooses to participate. Lots of proud tears around and a standing ovation. At graduation, all seniors joining a service are honored with a red,white and blue cord which was a super surprise for me. I cried then too. I then cried some more at R Day and A Day. Kleenex should advertise with me. HA!
 
Make sure that your child desires the presentation. While I get that it promotes the service academies, etc, my cadets weren't in the least bit interested in drawing that much attention to themselves.
 
DS just got an email from what appears to be a Retired WP Grad who asked to present his appointment at DS's senior awards night. He asked me about it, and I simply advised him to ask if it was political (a MOC or Staff) or if it was strictly was a "Military" presentation with someone. Also told him that it was his decision and his alone as to whether or not he wanted it and that we would be just as proud of him whether or not he opted for the presentation.
 
I explained to DS that the presentation isn't all about him. It's his first way to give back to West Point by being a "face of West Point" and an encouragement to those who will follow him in the Long Gray Line. If it weren't for the recruitment/advertising/promotion of others like him, he would not be accepting a West Point appointment. It's also a chance to sacrifice personal comfort and realize the eyes of the world may be looking at him in the opportunities he may have at West Point. Those BFEs in their amazing envelopes? Marketing! NOT solely for the recipient! The certificate in the folder? Marketing & NOT solely for the recipient! Who knows who might be watching the presentation; not to draw attention to the appointee, but thinking to him/herself, "that could be ME in 3 years!" You want to serve your country? Start here!
 
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Cadet Candidates should not feel that they have to be the "face of West Point". There is plenty of time after attending USMA to return to their community and high school in uniform, after they have completed beast and attended classes, to conduct informational meetings and answer questions for potential students. They also get extra leave as compensation which is a benefit for both cadets and parents. If the CC doesn't want a ceremony, I don't understand forcing it on the CC.
 
Cadet Candidates should not feel that they have to be the "face of West Point". There is plenty of time after attending USMA to return to their community and high school in uniform, after they have completed beast and attended classes, to conduct informational meetings and answer questions for potential students. They also get extra leave as compensation which is a benefit for both cadets and parents. If the CC doesn't want a ceremony, I don't understand forcing it on the CC.
Not forcing! Giving a different perspective (to the comments of drawing attention to themselves) and HIGHLY encouraging.
 
I’ve been honored to present several appointments as an FFR. It’s sad to know that some schools don’t allow it, as it is a chance to honor those who have chosen to serve as well as have achieved the appointments. And I believe UFDMD is correct - the link sent is a good guide that can be tailored.
 
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