Aug 27, 2026

Valley Forge Military College held its Opening Ceremony in the Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion on Friday, Aug. 28, ceremoniously commencing the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

The Opening Ceremony is a longstanding tradition at VFMC where leadership from the College welcomes faculty, staff, and cadets to officially commence the start of a new academic year.

During Friday’s ceremony, Provost Dr. Robert Smith, Commandant MAJ Jared D. Smith, Ed.D., USA (Ret.) and VFMC President Col Stuart B. Helgeson, USMC(Ret) shared their insights and expectations on what it takes to be productive and successful members of the Valley Forge Military family.

“I challenge you this year to take your time and develop yourselves, emotionally, physically, and intellectually,” Commandant Smith said in his address to the cadets. “Your teachers are here to challenge you. The staff is here to challenge you. We all love you. You are the reason why we are here, and your are the future and the color standard bearers of Valley Forge Military College. You are up to the challenge.”

Friday’s ceremony also included the swearing in of the Honor Council and the passing of the colors, a time-honored military tradition symbolizing the continuity of command and the trust placed in the unit’s leadership.

Provost Smith presented qualified cadets Gold Stars for their academic excellence during the Spring 2026 semester, and Commandant Smith awarded Plebe of the Month Awards to freshman Gabe Arcie and Felix Witkamp.

These presentations gave the corps goals to strive for throughout this academic year.

“Go forward with courage, lead with character, serve with purpose,” CDT Chaplain Lochlain Bloom said to conclude the ceremony.

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VFMC Honor Council 2026-27

Leslie Salguero, Honor Council Chairman
Travis Lutz
Daniel Schiele
Hubert Michon
Emily Teel
Elana Hawk
Donald Holt
Edmund Goldsberry
Robert Hoopes
Samuel Marianetti
Liam Samples
Yaqub Tawfiq

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Gold Star Recipients

Kondwani “Sean” Banda
Lochlain Bloom
Edmund Goldsberry
Co Hoang
Donald Holt
Robert Hoopes
Travis Lutz
Samuel Marianetti
Gianna Mason
Nicolette Mason
Hubert Michon
Leslie Salguero
Liam Samples
Daniel Schiele
Gerilix Somorostro
Yaqub Tawfiq
William Temple
Issiah Titus
Michael Witkowski