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 zones, this allows for local meetings that are “closer to home.” The zones are determined by your zip code, if a different zone is more convenient for you, then by all means join with that group. We want you to be a part of the club and encourage all of you to join. It is important that West Point know 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

The West Point Parents Club of North Carolina is dedicated to serving and assisting its members by offering comprehensive information, valuable resources, and personalized support. Acknowledging that the journey through the United States Military Academy (USMA) and beyond is a unique experience for both parents and their cadets, the club strives to cater to their individual needs and challenges.

Class of 2024

Like None Before

The class of 2024 truly is like none before. Their 47-month journey began with unique challenges from the outset due to an unprecedented pandemic. Despite formidable challenges never experienced by other members of the Long Gray Line, they persevered with resilience, determination, and adaptability, embodying their motto, “Like None Before.”

Now we are excited as this special group of Firsties prepare for graduation in May.

Here’s what’s coming for our Firsties:

Grad Week - May 20 - 25, 2024
Graduation - May 25th

Firstie gift from the club to each cadet
Howitzer yearbook full-page ad featuring a photo of every graduating NC cadet

Hail and Farewell Picnic June 16, 2023, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Triad Park Field of Honor, Kernersville, NC

Postmark on Graduation Day

On May 25, 2024, there will be a special postmark available to add to your graduation announcements. Plan now to mail your graduation announcements from the West Point post office that day.

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.