New York Military Academy
Encyclopedia
New York Military Academy, or NYMA, is an American
private boarding school
located in Cornwall-on-Hudson
, New York
. It was founded in 1889 by Charles Jefferson Wright, a Civil War
veteran and former school teacher from New Hampshire
who believed that a military
structure provided the best environment for academic achievement, a philosophy to which the school adhered. NYMA has a long history as a college preparatory school
with a military structure that enrolled students from the New York metropolitan area
as well as around the country and the world.
Wright's successor, Sebastian Jones, presided over the Academy from 1894–1922, guiding it during its most critical period of growth from a young and small institution of 48 cadet
s, through a disastrous fire in 1910, and throughout an extensive reconstruction program. NYMA is now one of the oldest military schools in the United States. In 1975, the Academy became a coeducational institution, admitting women for the first time in the school's history.
The school has recently emerged from a difficult period in which it faced the possibility it would have to close its doors due to dwindling enrollment and financial problems. New York Military Academy held what was said to be "the final graduation ceremonies" in June, 2010.
However, a group of alumni and local businessmen created a plan to save the school raising almost $6 million dollars in a matter of weeks to create a foundation for a new and brighter future for the Academy under new board leadership. The vision for NYMA's future now holds that the school will be a “best practice” school providing 21st century educational programs for intentional learners in a a student-centered constructivist environment that serves the developmental learning needs as well as the unique public/civic service-related aspirations of each individual cadet.
, at the foot of Storm King Mountain, and just above the Hudson River
. It is approximately 60 miles (96.6 km) north of New York City
, or about one hour by car. This places NYMA in the Mid-Hudson Region of the Hudson Valley
, which is easily accessible by airplane (KSWF
, KEWR
, KLGA
, KJFK
, or KALB
) as well as train (Amtrak
and Metro-North
), bus, and automobile.
NYMA was accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges and chartered, registered, and approved by the New York State Department of Education. The academy was also a member of:
The size of the Corps of Cadets was adjusted depending on the number of students enrolled at the academy. The battalion would typically consist of:
The days at NYMA began at 6:00 am and typically ended at 10:00 pm. Cadets not only attended grade-specific classes during that time, but they participated in organized or intramural sports, activities, and study hall. During closed weekend, cadets would be expected to attend additional leadership training. drill & ceremony, and maintain the appearance of their respective barracks. Upon gaining the opportunity for an open weekend, cadets in good academic standing could apply for weekend furlough.
had taken place in 2005.
and Raiders.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
private boarding school
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
located in Cornwall-on-Hudson
Cornwall on Hudson, New York
Cornwall-on-Hudson is a riverfront village in Orange County, New York. The estimated population in 2007 was 3,066. The village was founded in 1609 by famed explorer Henry Hudson...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. It was founded in 1889 by Charles Jefferson Wright, a Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
veteran and former school teacher from New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
who believed that a military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
structure provided the best environment for academic achievement, a philosophy to which the school adhered. NYMA has a long history as a college preparatory school
University-preparatory school
A university-preparatory school or college-preparatory school is a secondary school, usually private, designed to prepare students for a college or university education...
with a military structure that enrolled students from the New York metropolitan area
New York metropolitan area
The New York metropolitan area, also known as Greater New York, or the Tri-State area, is the region that composes of New York City and the surrounding region...
as well as around the country and the world.
Wright's successor, Sebastian Jones, presided over the Academy from 1894–1922, guiding it during its most critical period of growth from a young and small institution of 48 cadet
Cadet
A cadet is a trainee to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. The term comes from the term "cadet" for younger sons of a noble family.- Military context :...
s, through a disastrous fire in 1910, and throughout an extensive reconstruction program. NYMA is now one of the oldest military schools in the United States. In 1975, the Academy became a coeducational institution, admitting women for the first time in the school's history.
The school has recently emerged from a difficult period in which it faced the possibility it would have to close its doors due to dwindling enrollment and financial problems. New York Military Academy held what was said to be "the final graduation ceremonies" in June, 2010.
However, a group of alumni and local businessmen created a plan to save the school raising almost $6 million dollars in a matter of weeks to create a foundation for a new and brighter future for the Academy under new board leadership. The vision for NYMA's future now holds that the school will be a “best practice” school providing 21st century educational programs for intentional learners in a a student-centered constructivist environment that serves the developmental learning needs as well as the unique public/civic service-related aspirations of each individual cadet.
Location
The Academy is located in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, in the Hudson HighlandsHudson Highlands
The Hudson Highlands are mountains on both sides of the Hudson River in the U.S. state of New York, between Newburgh Bay and Haverstraw Bay, which form the northern region of the New York - New Jersey Highlands....
, at the foot of Storm King Mountain, and just above the Hudson River
Hudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
. It is approximately 60 miles (96.6 km) north of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, or about one hour by car. This places NYMA in the Mid-Hudson Region of the Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley comprises the valley of the Hudson River and its adjacent communities in New York State, United States, from northern Westchester County northward to the cities of Albany and Troy.-History:...
, which is easily accessible by airplane (KSWF
Stewart International Airport
Stewart International Airport is located in the southern Hudson Valley, west of Newburgh, New York and over north of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The airport is located in the Town of Newburgh and the Town of New Windsor."." U.S. Census Bureau...
, KEWR
Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport , first named Newark Metropolitan Airport and later Newark International Airport, is an international airport within the city limits of both Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States...
, KLGA
LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport is an airport located in the northern part of Queens County on Long Island in the City of New York. The airport is located on the waterfront of Flushing Bay and Bowery Bay, and borders the neighborhoods of Astoria, Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst. The airport was originally...
, KJFK
John F. Kennedy International Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport is an international airport located in the borough of Queens in New York City, about southeast of Lower Manhattan. It is the busiest international air passenger gateway to the United States, handling more international traffic than any other airport in North...
, or KALB
Albany International Airport
Albany International Airport is a public use airport located six nautical miles northwest of the central business district of Albany, in Albany County, New York, United States. It is owned by the Albany County Airport Authority....
) as well as train (Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
and Metro-North
Metro-North Railroad
The Metro-North Commuter Railroad , trading as MTA Metro-North Railroad, or, more commonly, Metro-North, is a suburban commuter rail service that is run and managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority , an authority of New York State. It is the busiest commuter railroad in the United...
), bus, and automobile.
Accreditations
- AMSCUS (Association of Military Schools and Colleges in the United States http://www.amcsus.org/page.cfm?p=96)
- TABS - (The Association of Boarding Schools http://www.boardingschools.com/)
- NAIS - (National Association of Independent SchoolsNational Association of Independent SchoolsThe National Association of Independent Schools is a U.S.-based membership organization for private, nonprofit, K-12 schools. Founded in 1963, NAIS represents independent schools and associations in the United States, including day, boarding, and day/boarding schools; elementary and secondary...
) - NYSAIS - (New York State Association of Independent SchoolsNew York State Association of Independent SchoolsThe New York State Association of Independent Schools , founded in 1947, is an association of some 180 independent schools, ranging from nursery to high schools. In 2005, its member schools had approximately 65,000 students...
) - MSBA - Military School Band Association
Organization
- Command Staff
- BandMilitary bandA military band originally was a group of personnel that performs musical duties for military functions, usually for the armed forces. A typical military band consists mostly of wind and percussion instruments. The conductor of a band commonly bears the title of Bandmaster or Director of Music...
Company - Line CompaniesCompany (military unit)A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Foxtrot and Golf - Delta troop or "D-troop": drawn from the equestrian program formerly offered at the school, but no longer extant
Student life
NYMA strived to provide its students with a structured environment, placing an emphasis on leadership development and community involvement. Although 80% of the Corps of Cadets came from the Tri-State area, there was still a large mix of international students who enjoyed the local activities that Cornwall-On-Hudson has to offer.The days at NYMA began at 6:00 am and typically ended at 10:00 pm. Cadets not only attended grade-specific classes during that time, but they participated in organized or intramural sports, activities, and study hall. During closed weekend, cadets would be expected to attend additional leadership training. drill & ceremony, and maintain the appearance of their respective barracks. Upon gaining the opportunity for an open weekend, cadets in good academic standing could apply for weekend furlough.
Hazing
While this practice is officially discouraged, and is against all rules and policies, a lawsuit was settled in which it had been claimed that physical and emotional abuse in the form of hazingHazing
Hazing is a term used to describe various ritual and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group....
had taken place in 2005.
History
New York Military Academy was established on September 17, 1889 on 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) of land with 75 students by Charles Jefferson Wright. During the 1960s enrollment peaked at 525 students. As of spring 2010, there were 145 students enrolled.Notable alumni
- Robert (Tex) AllenRobert (Tex) AllenRobert "Tex" Allen was a leading actor in both feature films and B-movie westerns between 1935 and 1944.Born as Irvine E. Theodore Baehr on March 28, 1906 in Mount Vernon, New York, Allen went on to graduate from the New York Military Academy in 1924, where he rode in the academy cavalry and from...
(actor) - Les BrownLes Brown (bandleader)Les Brown, Sr. and the Band of Renown are a big band that began in the late 1930s, initially as the group Les Brown and His Blue Devils that Brown led while a student at Duke University. He was the first president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences...
, Class of 1932, big band leader whose Band of Renown provided music for comedian Bob Hope'sBob HopeBob Hope, KBE, KCSG, KSS was a British-born American comedian and actor who appeared in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in radio, television and movies. He was also noted for his work with the US Armed Forces and his numerous USO shows entertaining American military personnel...
shows - Francis Ford CoppolaFrancis Ford CoppolaFrancis Ford Coppola is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. He is widely acclaimed as one of Hollywood's most innovative and influential film directors...
(attended, did not graduate) - Troy DonahueTroy DonahueTroy Donahue was an American actor, who was active between the late 1950s and late 1990s.-Life and career:...
, actor - John A. Gotti, Class of 1983 (attended, did not graduate)
- Robert Douglas HeatonRobert Douglas HeatonRobert Douglas Heaton was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.Robert D. Heaton was born in Raven Run, Pennsylvania. He moved to Ashland, Pennsylvania, with his parents in 1886...
(1873–1933), U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania - Anthony M. Losito Class of 1982, Chief of Police for the Hoover Dam
- Martin KunertMartin KunertMartin Kunert is a founding partner of Booya Studios and a feature film and television writer, director and producer. In 2004, Kunert conceived and directed the critically acclaimed documentary Voices of Iraq, made by sending 150 DV cameras to Iraqis to film their own lives...
, Class of 1982, film director and television producer - Johnny MandelJohnny MandelJohnny Mandel is an American composer and arranger of popular songs, film music and jazz. Among the musicians he has worked with are Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Anita O'Day, Barbra Streisand, and Shirley Horn.-Life:...
, Class of 1944 - Alfred D. SieminskiAlfred D. SieminskiAlfred Dennis Sieminski was an American Democratic Party politician who represented New Jersey's 13th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1951-1959.-Biography:...
, represented New Jersey's 13th congressional districtNew Jersey's 13th congressional districtNew Jersey's Thirteenth Congressional District was created starting with the 73rd United States Congress in 1933, based on redistricting following the United States Census, 1930. It is currently represented by Democrat Albio Sires...
from 1951-1959 - Stephen SondheimStephen SondheimStephen Joshua Sondheim is an American composer and lyricist for stage and film. He is the winner of an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize and the Laurence Olivier Award...
, Class of 1946 - Donald TrumpDonald TrumpDonald John Trump, Sr. is an American business magnate, television personality and author. He is the chairman and president of The Trump Organization and the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump's extravagant lifestyle, outspoken manner and role on the NBC reality show The Apprentice have...
, Class of 1964, businessman and real estate agent - Spencer TunickSpencer TunickSpencer Tunick is an American photographer. Tunick is best known for organizing large-scale nude shoots. Since 1994 he has photographed over 75 human installations around the world.-Biography:...
, Class of 1985, photographer known for photographs involving large arrangements of nude people - Fairleigh Dickinson, Jr.Fairleigh Dickinson, Jr.Fairleigh Stanton Dickinson Jr. was an American Republican Party politician who served as a member of the New Jersey Senate from 1968 to 1971.He was born in Rutherford, New Jersey, the son of Fairleigh S...
, Class of 1937, Past President, Becton-Dickinson & Co., and New Jersey State Senator, 1968–1971
- John W. Barnes, Class of 1920, President, Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1942–1964
Major buildings
- Davis Chapel (contains the second-largest theater pipe organPipe organThe pipe organ is a musical instrument that produces sound by driving pressurized air through pipes selected via a keyboard. Because each organ pipe produces a single pitch, the pipes are provided in sets called ranks, each of which has a common timbre and volume throughout the keyboard compass...
in New York State, built by M.P. Moller) - Jones Barracks
- Booth Library
- Scarborough Hall
- Pattillo Hall
- Riley (formerly Dingley) Hall
- Dickinson Hall
- Alumni Gym and Pool
Athletics
The school's mascot is the Knight. The school competes in the following sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Rugby, Swimming, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball, Cross-country, Wrestling, Tennis, Rifle Team, Golf, Drill TeamExhibition drill
Exhibition drill is a modified routine that involves complex marching sequences that usually deviate from standard drill.Teams performing exhibition drill are often affiliated with military units, but the scope of exhibition drill is not limited to the Military Drill Teams...
and Raiders.