My focus going forward is stability and growth. Last year we made some changes that focused on the long term viability of Hargrave. Some of these decisions are producing a net positive for our current families. These included: additional scholarship opportunities for Cadets in grades 7-12; Hargrave's academic department is now able to offer more challenging, advanced courses; and, Night TACs have been hired to further enhance campus safety.

Profanity seems to be pervasive throughout society now. I find it unacceptable, our faculty and staff find it unacceptable and I know you do as parents. It is something Hargrave will take head-on during this academic year. Our Foul Language Policy is designed to teach our young men to treat themselves and each other with respect and learn how to properly express themselves. Our entire adult cadre will model the same behavior we want the Cadets to emulate. If you have any questions about the Foul Language Policy, please contact COL (Ret) Mike Cloy, our Commandant.

In group sessions with our Cadets, COL Cloy and Ms. Michele Shull are also addressing the use of social media and the posting of sometimes graphic and inappropriate information online. Many of our young men don't understand how easy it is to pull their information off the internet, especially when they thought it was private or protected--but were easily and simply found through a simple internet search engine. Examples have been embarrassing for some, but the lesson will hopefully carry them forward through their college application process and into the workforce. We will repeat the social media class with all other Cadets in near future.

U.S. Congressman Robert Hurt of Virginia's 5th District is hosting ' Fall Academy Day 2013' on campus. Admission procedures are the same across the country for the five U.S. Military Service Academies. If your son is not in Virginia's 5th District, it is still a valid event for learning about the process. The general public is also invited. We encourage all interested Hargrave Cadets to attend. It is a great opportunity. All parents are invited to attend as well--it's great information!

Hargrave's College Fair and Military College Night are both scheduled for September 17. The fair will occur in the afternoon and we'll have between 50-60 colleges. The Military College Night will present representatives from the U.S. Services Academies, the six Senior Military Colleges and five Military Junior Colleges. Parents are encouraged to attend! The Point of Contact for these two events is SgtMaj Mike Payne in College Placement at 434-432-2686.

Varsity football and soccer have their first games this weekend. They've been working hard, and it will be exciting to see both teams take the field. Both teams have shown great energy and commitment to their success.

Go Tigers!