Appointment Presentation

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
1

<p>I know its only February but...</p>

<p>Who would you choose to present the NA appointment certificate at Senior Awards Night? Choices: BGO (no association other than the interview and a few emails – maybe lots of behind the scenes stuff we know nothing about.), Active duty Navy Captain (Academy grad 1985, close professional relationship w/ dad.), Active duty Navy Ensign (Academy grad 2009 - family friend). </p>

<p>I’m imaging the impressive sight of DD shaking hands with either (or both?) sailor(s) dressed in their whites. </p>

<p>Another factor, a classmate is waiting to hear from the AFA. If he gets an appointment and has similar thoughts, that would make quite a nice display on stage. </p>

<p>Thoughts?</p>

2

<p>Hmmmm . . .is this your choice to make?<br>
The BGO can certainly ask that another present the certificate [or you could ask the BGO if your friend could shake your hand while the BGO talks about the accomplishment] but I think it’s the BGO’s call.</p>

3

<p>Not at all necessary for BGO to make the presentation. This is your choice as they will be literally presenting nothing not already received. You pick, have school invite them.</p>

4

<p>Bill is correct. USNA expects the BGO to make the presentation. They have the first right of refusal.</p>

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<p>I think this is a stretch. BGO did not present in our community. And I’ll guarantee …there is no such thing as “right of refusal.” That’s really pretty funny. :smiley: I think the BGO “Bill of Rights” is being written as we CC. :cool: </p>

<p>Use who you wish. It’ll be just fine. ;)</p>

6

<p>Son’s school won’t allow academy presentations, by order of the principal.</p>

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<p>The USNA DOES expect the BGO to make the presentation. [But, then, WP wouldn’t know that because he isn’t a BGO.] On the other hand, if the BGO can’t [or the principal won’t allow it], or won’t, or if there is some other conflict, then there is likely no problem with another authorized person [military as said in this case] doing the presentation. There are some “words” the NA would like to have in the presentation if possible, but that could be explained to another presenter. </p>

<p>Is there technically a “right of first refusal”? No; not stated as such. [It’s not THAT big a deal.] But, as a matter of courtesy to the BGO [AND the NA], it would probably be NICE [a concept frequently lost on today’s society] if you discussed your request w/ the BGO. I can’t imagine a BGO out there who wouldn’t try to accomodate you in some way. [In fact, if BGO lives far away or across town, they might actually be relieved to not have to make the presentation as long as they can discuss it w/ whomever will be making the presentation. Believe me, it more important to you than it is to the BGO; they are just trying to fulfill THEIR responsibilities.]</p>

<p>I think if your son’s school won’t allow such presentations, that is a matter best brought up to the board of trustees. It might also be interesting to ask the questions, first, of the superintendent to see if that is district policy. If it is, then I would ask that question as to “why” at the next school board meeting [oh, and probably alert the local newspaper about your intention to ask the question too.] </p>

<p>But, sigh, like for most of the sheep in this country, it might be too much trouble to actually do anything about the problem . . . just easier to talk about it.</p>

8

<p>Bill …I concur fully w/ your point. It would be the courteous thing to do.</p>

<p>My point is …when someone in an alleged BGO status overstates and misstates, then he denigrates the credibility and believability of this fine cadre, yourself included. All value and appreciate the diligent and devoted efforts you and BGOs provide absent a penny of remuneration. So again, thank you and do not misunderstand. I apologize for being less than clear in my point.</p>

<p>But when one positions oneself as the font of all knowledge …and takes license to impose “her” own notions of the BGO code of conduct or bill of rights (no pun intended ;)), well her point becomes fair game once again. </p>

<p>There is but one Omnipotent I Am. And let’s remember …what’s being discussed is about the manner in which the APPOINTEE may be recognized and applauded. But I suppose some BGOs thrive on that as well. Frankly, if one wants to make a statement about the greatness of our SAs and their possibilities for our young people, it would make a whole lot more sense having that Captain in whites …than me (were I worthy of the title BGO) in my finest black suit. I think we all get the pic. One is spectacular, attention-grabbing. The other is just one more black suit. </p>

<p>So, yes, involve the BGO to the degree he/she desires. Develop a plan. But they are under zero obligation or responsibility to participate, as I believe you’ve implied. And to the positive, it’s only right, courteous, and good manners to engage them in this.</p>

9

<p>Well, succinctness and brevity didn’t work. As tasked by USNA, BGOs are responsible to present the appointment. Don’t take my word for it, call the Admissions Office and tell them that you want Uncle Bob to do it. I will almost guarantee you that they will tell you to contact the BGO. Now, Whistle Pig may be able to speak for the entire four thousand BGOs out there but I cannot. Bill may be willing to vouch for their niceness. I cannot. Bottom line, I cannot imagine this evolution happening without ‘clearing’ it with the BGO. I cannot imagine calling the BGO and demanding, but asking. This gives, for lack of a better phrase, the BGO the right to make the decision. This is the way it should be. </p>

<p>The Academy has something to give, an appointment. Uncle Bob or Cousin BIll who happen to be in the military, don’t. Let them come to I-Day and swear the candidate in.</p>

<p>And don’t be naive and think this is all about the candidate. It is a recruiting visit. This is why USNA tasks the responsibility to the BGO. He has a captive audience, both faculty and parents, and probably even little brothers and sisters. Hence the recommended verbage as mentioned by Bill. Some schools are an open door to BGOs. Some treat them as recruiters and stymie every effort. It may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for a BGO. He may be ‘nice’ but when you hang up the phone you will realize that he is still making the presentation.</p>

<p>WP, there is not a BGO Bill of Rights but a BGO Bill of Responsibilities. It is called the BGO Manual and it requires BGOs to make the presentation.</p>

10

<p>Just give us the p. # in the BGO manual. </p>

<p>Very simple.</p>

11

<p>If you have a Handbook, it is easy to find. Actually in several places. Just use the Table of Contents. If you don’t have a handbook, it really doesn’t matter what page it is on, does it?</p>

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<p>Seems we’ve ferreted out the answer to that one. :rolleyes: 2 BGOs …2 very different answers. </p>

<p>Next question: Are BGOs expected to be honorable and truthful like the Mids they’re “recruiting?” </p>

<p>Perhaps you’ve a page number for that one? :confused:</p>

13

<p>The BGO should make the presentation, as Bill has pointed out.</p>

<p>It is correctly stated that it is in the manual.</p>

<p>If WP demands a page number, he can go through BGO training and find it. </p>

<p>For the rest of you, the responsibility falls to the BGO, for many of the reasons noted. They are charged with counseling, guiding, interviewing, and recommending candidates to USNA. All the BGOs I know take that job very seriously. Included in that job is presenting the appointment.</p>

<p>I not only present appointments to my own successful candidates, but I also cover for other BGOs in my area to present theirs when necessary, as sometimes happens when there are 2, 3 and even 4 awards nights on any given night. If I am unable to attend, I will make sure there is a USNA representative to present the award, and it would be lack of decorum to bypass your BGO in this process. </p>

<p>If you receive your appointment in the mail, it will be accompanied by a letter pertaining to presentation of the appointment. Read it. And after you read it, contact your BGO as directed. </p>

<p>Now you have advice from 3 BGOs.</p>

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<p>If you need a page number for that one, no manual in the world will help you.
I would further suggest that therein lies the very reason why WP is not a Blue and Gold Officer. </p>

<p>A wise candidate will heed the words of THEIR BGOs who have guided them to this point. Appointments do not happen in isolation.</p>

14

<p>There was nothing in my son’s appointment package about a presentation or contacting his BGO. Does it come in the follow up packet after he accepts his appointment? Our school is relatively new (7 years) and he is only the third person to receive an appointment. I’m not sure that a presentation takes place at the awards ceremony. It sounds as if it is a standard. That’s exciting. Sounds like it will be a nice thing if it happens.</p>

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<p>In followup mail, there will be mention of having the appointment presented [ if your school allows] at any awards night that your school may have. There is a reference in there that IF you wish to have the appointment presented formally, that the awards night will offer a venue to have the appointment presented, and to contact your BGO to present it. </p>

<p>In our region, if the BGO is not available, the local, and then regional, director will present the appointment. In any event, it falls to an official representative of the academy [as in the above] to present the appointment. </p>

<p>If you have someone in the family that is active duty, and you want them up there, then call your BGO and have that conversation. Personally, I would welcome having that family member join me to assist with the presentation. To date that has not happened, but I welcome that opportunity should it present itself AND if it is in lines with the customs of the high school awards program.</p>

<p>Third person to receive an appointment- congratulations, that is great.</p>

<p>“Nice” doesn’t begin to describe it. I will try.</p>

<p>On a personal note, our son was the first from our school. I remember 2 things from the night his BGO presented his appointment, and our son climbed up on that stage to accept it. First, when our son acknowledged he was “one of the lucky few of the deserving many,” and second: “I recognize the responsibility being first places on my shoulders, and I will do my best to live up to what is expected in hopes of inspiring others to follow in my footsteps.” It was a very proud moment for “this” mom. </p>

<p>[reminder to all parents: pack the kleenex]</p>

<p>I am thrilled to report, that as our Firstie graduates this May [God willing], he will be followed by a second student from our high school- and you can bet I am honored and looking forward to presenting THAT appointment. Bravo Zulu.</p>

16

<p>I also look forward to making the presentment to the first appointee from my son’s high school since his appointment. There have been two west-point, two AFA, and one MMA since his appointment so it is kind of nice to finally snag at least one [possibly a second] from his high school.</p>

<p>The presentment is usually made at an awards ceremony that most school recognizing scholarship recipients. So, if your school has a ceremony wherein these awards are recognized ask them to include your student. [they may not think about a SA award.] It’s not every year that a student gets a $300k+ education award.</p>

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<p>Congrats Bill!!!</p>

<p>[it is especially sweet when we can go back to our children’s HS, isn’t it!!!]</p>

<p>Might want to update those figures a bit though-
latest one I saw was $375K, and that was a while back.
“Priceless” more like it.</p>

18

<p>My son has received his appointment from USNA. We haven’t heard anything from his BGO but really my son had very little contact with him throughout the process other than the initial interview. He is a very nice guy, my son just found he had no “need” to contact him during the process. My son plans on contacting him to discuss what he has planned regarding the presentation at Senior Night. My son’s USAFA ALO has been in contact with us a few times and in fact when my son saw him at an MOC interview, he offered to present my son with his appointment to USNA if his BGO wasn’t available.</p>

<p>I remember when my son received his LoA from USAFA, it said:
“An Academy appointment entitles you to the equivalent of a full undergraduate scholarship including room and board, medical and dental care, and a monthly pay allowance, currently valued at $414,000.00.”</p>

<p>His USNA paperwork hasn’t had any value listed. I could be off, but I’m assuming the value would be close.</p>

19

<p>I think it would only be common courtesy to contact the BGO for the presentation. My daughter’s BGO was very appreciative of the request but was not able to make it for the ceremonies due to the travel time and distance. He contacted a Lieutenant Commander at Naval Base Newport who made the presentation. Whites under the stained glass in the Chapel really stood out. One of the juniors thought it was so cool he applied and is now class of 2012. He only messed up once at reunion after his plebe year and called her “mam” once.</p>

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<p>navy2010, don’t be too hard on WP. I feel his pain. He fell for the oldest rookie parent error in the book, assuming his unique experience was not only the norm but also policy, and is just trying to deflect some of the well-deserved ridicule. But ‘honorable’, honestly? Based on the definition of ‘technically’ argued with a lawyer? That IS grasping at straws.</p>

<p>A little history of the package. Until four or five years ago, presentation packages were mailed to the BGOs. Bill, if you remember, you can help me here. Your son’s year was either the last year that they were mailed to the BGO or the first year that they were mailed directly to the candidate. Admissions sent out a memo stating that they were changing the procedure and the reasons therefore but nevertheless reiterating that the responsibility of the presentation remained with the BGO. And yes, one of the several reasons was that a few volunteer BGOs were not taking their duties seriously and were abdicating their responsibilities.</p>

<p>Back to the question at hand. osdad, I really do not understand your concern. This is a Naval Academy Admissions evolution. The BGO is a part of that organization. What if a child received a scholarship from another organization, say Walmart, for example. Would the parent call up Sam III and state that Aunt Bessie cuts a far more dashing figure in her Kmart check-out smock and they would like for her to make the presentation?</p>

<p>And lastly, for those whose school does not allow presentations such as these, or for those who are home schooled, they have been done as part of a Sunday morning church service, to a very appreciative ‘family’ audience, I might add. And they have been presented twice by the BGO, once on the school presentation night and once again at the Sunday morning service.</p>