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WOODSTOCK, VA–In this small town stands Massanutten Military Academy, a school with a great tradition of leadership and pride. For about 108 years, it has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as an educational facility that teaches excellence, leadership, character, academic and physical qualities.

The academy has consistently selected only the finest leaders with the greatest abilities to guide its Corps of 200 Cadets. This year is no exception. Cadet Hyun Sup Song has been selected as the Academy’s 2006-07 Battalion Commander, the highest-ranking cadet on campus. With this rank and position comes great responsibility. This is a huge accomplishment in itself but for this young man, it’s extraordinary.

Song has attended the Academy for a mere two years. Arriving with limited English and modest social skills, he has not only adapted to the military environment, he has also thrived. Proof is the many academic and leadership awards he has received. Among these are the National Honors Society, the National NCO Award and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Award.

How does a student from another country reach the top of academics and leadership in an American academy, and in such a short time? Song replied: "I don’t always yell, it’s not who I am, but once I got the position of leadership, I had to become more strict. I have to study a little more, and practice more on commands and leadership skills."

Song was only 15 when he decided to attend this school "for the leadership potentials it could provide." Now at age 17, it’ obvious Song has obtained excellent leadership skills. Asked if the Academy was what he had expected, he replied: "I thought we would drill for parades and exercise all the time, but they actually give us more time to study and have a social life here. In Korea, we didn’t have a chance to attend sports as often–there are more activities to attend here."

His goals for the 2006-07 schoolyear are impressive. "I don’t want any cadets to have Ds or Fs. I’d like to see an improvement in sportsmanship. I’d like the corps of cadets to demonstrate obedience and respect to the cadet leaders of this academy." His long-term goals? He wants to attend Duquesne University and become a pharmacist.

            This coming year, there’s no doubt he would meet or exceed the standards of some of the best here, and this remarkable, young leader surely will be remembered as one of the finest in this Academy’s history.