Do you send graduation announcements/party invitations to BGO that helped your son get into USNA?

prettypcho01

New Member
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May 29, 2018
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My husband and I don’t know what is appropriate etiquette. We are very appreciative of the guidance my son received from his Blue and Gold Officer to get nomination and finally admitted to USNA. We are not sure if it’s ok to send high school graduation announcement and/or invitation to the graduation party. Or if it is expected? Should we send announcements to our Congressional Representative who awarded the nomination? We will see his BGO at a HS Awards ceremony soon. Do we hand the envelope(s) in person or ask for a mailing address? Thank you for any help and info.
 
My husband and I don’t know what is appropriate etiquette. We are very appreciative of the guidance my son received from his Blue and Gold Officer to get nomination and finally admitted to USNA. We are not sure if it’s ok to send high school graduation announcement and/or invitation to the graduation party. Or if it is expected? Should we send announcements to our Congressional Representative who awarded the nomination? We will see his BGO at a HS Awards ceremony soon. Do we hand the envelope(s) in person or ask for a mailing address? Thank you for any help and info.
Also, I don’t even know if it was ok for me to post this question here. Sorry if I am making an error. Very new to being USNA parent.
 
I am neither a BGO or a MOC, but I do know that a heartfelt thank you note of appreciation with some specific remarks about how the person was helpful is not out of line.

In my opinion, I would keep the grad announcements reserved for friends and family and not send one to the BGO or MOC.

It is never appropriate to send a gift to a BGO or MOC, no matter how small. Stick with a hand written note of appreciation. Oh, and don't forget to thank the MOC coordinator who generally does all the work on putting together the MOC interview panel!
 
If you were pleased with your BGO's assistance, a nice note is much appreciated. You could also send a note/email the Area Coordinator letting him/her know your thoughts.

The "problem" with graduation announcements is that one usually is "expected" send a gift and BGOs don't want to get into the business of sending gifts to every successful candidate or, alternatively, sending gifts to only some. Or being rude and sending none at all.

It is never appropriate to send a gift to a BGO or MOC, no matter how small.

I'm not sure this is 100% true for a BGO that you never intend to use again (e.g., for another child). I wouldn't be upset if someone sent a token gift of nominal value at this point in the process (after the admissions decision has long since been made). That said, I've never had anyone send me a gift and would never, ever expect one. It's very rare that I receive a note -- maybe one every 3 years -- but it is greatly appreciated.

Finally . . . for those new to the process . . . the BGO doesn't really "help" a candidate "get into" USNA. BGOs provide guidance and advice that may well be helpful but the decision on an appointment rests entirely with USNA Admissions, not with the BGO.
 
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