FCHS is not the only school which has found itself shut down for the rest of the school year. Fork Union Military Academy (FUMA) is around 25 minutes from FCHS. FUMA was established in 1898 and is a private, all-boys boarding military school. Many cadets attend FUMA from all across the world, from China to Russia, all ending up in the little town of Fork Union. 

With spring break quickly approaching for cadets on March 19, and COVID-19 rapidly spreading, many schools had to make difficult decisions. FUMA, though, had more concerns since during spring break, cadets can travel back to their home country, then return, perhaps spreading the virus or facing an uncertain ability to get back home. So on March 12, FUMA made the decision to send the cadets home immediately until April 12. Most cadets were very happy about getting a month off. Through like many other schools, things are still up in the air. 

On March 23, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced he was closing all K-12 schools for the rest of the school year. As a result, FUMA announced that their final term of the year would be online only and that students would not be permitted to return to campus. 

While it may seem odd not having cadets on campus, along with activities and sporting events, the campus isnt completely deserted. Many staff members live on FUMA’s campus and are observing Governor Northam’s recent stay-at-home order while continuing to educate the FUMA students online for their final term, April 14-May 15.