West Point Parents Club of North Carolina
Supporting the protectors of our freedom
Welcome North Carolina Parents!
Join us as we support the four-year wonderful journey of our sons’ and daughters’ commitment to West Point and the Nation.
The West Point Parents Club of North Carolina is divided into seven platoons (zones), this allows for local meetings that are “closer to home.” The platoons are determined by the county you live in. If a different platoon is more convenient for you, then let us know, and we’ll send your information to the platoon leaders for the platoon you would prefer to join. We invite you to join our club and encourage all of you to do so. It is important that West Point knows that we are working at the local level to support the academy and our cadets.
Please keep all of our graduates and soldiers in your thoughts and prayers.
Our Mission
All Academy Ball 2025
2025 All Academy Ball
The West Point Parents Club of North Carolina was proud to host the 2025 All Academy Ball on Sunday, December 21st—an evening filled with tradition, celebration, and camaraderie among our service academy families.
We were honored to welcome 135 attendees, including 34 cadets and midshipmen, who were able to attend complimentary thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Will Manning (USMA ’93), Dr. Chris and Linanne Guest, an anonymous donor, and USAA. We were also grateful for the partnership and support of the Navy and Air Force Academy Parents Clubs of North Carolina, helping make this a truly unified academy celebration.
The evening was expertly hosted by Master of Ceremonies Darryl Torres, who kept the program engaging and lively. COL (Ret.) Greg Stone (USMA ’76) served as our keynote speaker and delivered a wonderful and inspiring message that resonated with cadets, families, and guests alike. In celebration of the Class of 2026, nine Firsties were presented with a special token as they prepare for graduation next year.
Special thanks to Tori Torres, Lisa Williams, Paula Marks, Mimi Royall, and Dalia Zatlin for their hard work on the planning committee, and to DJ Jeff Fish for keeping the dance floor full throughout the evening. We are also grateful to Kimberly Midkiff Photography for beautifully capturing the night’s memories.
We hope you enjoy the photos from this special evening and look forward to celebrating together again at the 2026 All Academy Ball!
📸 View photos here:
https://kimberlymidkiff.pixieset.com/north-carolina-all…/
For Country We Commit, Class of 2026
Ready to Lead the Corps
The West Point Class of 2026 has reached a remarkable milestone – their final year at the Academy. With just nine short months until graduation and commissioning as 2 LTs in the United States Army, these cadets stand as the leaders of the Corps of Cadets, ready to guide and inspire those who follow.
Their journey has been defined by tenacity, grit, and countless unforgettable moments, from Beast Barracks in 2022 to summer training at Buckner, from CLDT and CTLT to earning wings at Air Assault and Airborne School, from AIADs and PIADs to countless other challenging experiences. Each step has strengthened their bonds and sharpened their skills, forging a class united in purpose and spirit.
True to their class motto, For Country We Commit, they have proven their dedication to being the very best for our nation. Now, in the home stretch, the Class of 2026 moves forward with confidence toward commissioning, ready to lead as officers in the United States Army.
Congratulations, Firsties, you’ve come a long way – enjoy every moment of this incredible year!
Graduation Week Photos:
Classes
Plebe
Definition: A member of the lowest class of Roman society. Alternate: A trainee or freshman at the United States Military Academy. Plebes learn a vital military quality – how to follow their leaders. They are also learning organizational skills as a by-product of their 4th class duties and heavy academic loads.
Yuk
Definition: A sophomore and Cadet Corporal. Happy they aren’t Plebes. Unhappy they don’t rank much higher than Plebes. Alternately known as Yearlings by Old Grads. Yuks are responsible for coaching the Plebes in their company and helping them learn the ropes of being a cadet.
Cow
Definition: A junior and now a true upperclassman. Cows hold the rank of Cadet Sergeant. They “affirm” their intention to remain at and graduate from USMA with a formal “Affirmation” in late August. In addition to focusing on their academic major, they are the backbone of the Corps supporting their Firstie leadership.
Firstie
Definition: A senior. Firsties hold the ranks of Cadet Lieutenant and Captain and lead the Corps of Cadets in the top leadership positions. Firsties are generally focused on passing all of their courses and graduating to be 2LTs in the “Big Army.” During Firstie year they will select their future Army branch and first post.
2025 - 2026 USMA Calendar
We Are Being Recognized
