Waynesboro, VA – Fishburne Military School (FMS) fall athletes gathered on Wednesday, November 10, 2022, to recognize the top athletes in Cross Country, Soccer, and Football for the 2022 season. Coaches, cadets, families and supporters were present for the Fall Sports Awards Banquet, and the ceremony was streamed live on Facebook.com/FishburneMilitarySchool.
Opening remarks were given by the Director of Athletics, LTC Steve Wilson (VA). Wilson said, “Cadets, I respect you – for your commitment and discipline to be at Fishburne. With an early wake-up time, a full academic schedule, and on top of that, going above and beyond playing a sport, it is not easy. But the plan at Fishburne is to take that discipline and make leaders of all of you.”
Following Wilson’s remarks, FMS President COL Randal E. Brown (VA) gave a formal introduction to the guest speaker for the evening, Mr. Scott Simons of CMA’s Valley Dealerships. Brown said, “Scott Simons started selling cars over 26 years ago, and through blood, sweat, tears, and years of saving, he finally realized the dream of buying into his first car dealership 12 years ago. He became the Part-Owner and Managing Partner of Carter Myers Automotive’s eight dealerships and five franchises, Valley Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, RAM, Subaru, and VW of Staunton, VA. Simons is the Co-Host of the Breakfast of Champions, #1 Rated Clubhouse Morning Show, OG Member of the Arete Syndicate, Apex Executive, and member of the Lion’s Den. Simons has parlayed his success in the automotive industry to amass a large family business, Simons Enterprises Inc. Simons Enterprises Inc invests in multiple businesses across many Industries.”
The Simons family are proud supporters of Fishburne Military School, and for the past four years have donating $100,000 per year through the Virginia Department of Education to provide scholarships through VDOE for students attending FMS. FMS is honored to have a leader of the Shenandoah Valley as an active philanthropist of Fishburne. The school cannot express enough gratitude for his family’s generosity.
Simons said, “Years ago Fishburne Military School helped our little league football team by providing a field for our team to practice on. Without asking for anything in return, Fishburne welcomed us. Years later it came full circle, and I was able to thank them by supporting them through VDOE.”
Simons emphasized the importance of leadership and giving back to the community. Simons said, “I appreciate every [cadet] and coach and teacher who gives all their effort and investment in such a fine school. It is an honor to be here.”
Winner of the James Hogg Award as MVP with the highest GPA was awarded to Stephan Fuschich, Class of 2023. For football – MVP was awarded to Justin Madden, Coaches’ Award to Chase Altis, Caisson Hustle Award to Grayson Jones, Iron Caisson Award to Asher Floyd, and Most Improved to Micah Reyes. Soccer awarded MVP to Stephan Fuschich and Most Improved to Zachary Carroll. Cross Country awarded MVP to Ethan Simpson, the Caisson Hustle Award to Benjamin Gilroy, and Most Improved to Julius Gardner.
The ceremony was concluded with remarks by graduating senior Chase Altis, Class of 2023. Altis said, “At first I thought, ‘I don’t want to go to military school!’ But I wanted to play football, and this was my opportunity. Turns out, the support you get from admissions, teachers, coaches, everybody at Fishburne— you don’t get that at any other school. Find out what it is that you want to achieve, and everyone here will support you.” Altis has reached his goal and will be attending Ferrum College to play football.
