A sophomore at VFMA, Nicholas Wu has been awarded the Harvey Medal in the subjects of Science, English, and French; was awarded the Major General Anthony Wayne medal for being the 8th grade valedictorian; and was awarded the Dean’s Medal two years in a row for achieving Gold Star Honor Roll status every marking period in a school year. He is a member of Valley Forge Military Academy’s National Honor Society and Hi-Q team, and made his VFMA Theatre debut this spring as Mr. Mushnick in Little Shop of Horrors. Wu is also a member of the school’s Community Service Club, Rifle Club, Drill Team, varsity soccer squad and varsity swimming team.
Main Line Media News: As a member of the school’s Community Service Club, what has been your favorite community project and why?
Nicholas Wu: My favorite project was when we did the Adopt A Family program. We picked a family during Christmas time and ordered presents for them. I was pleased to help a family in need, and doing such actions is why I joined the Community Service Club.
Main Line Media News: Tell us a little about the most interesting activities of the Rifle Club.
Nicholas Wu: Rifle Club is the most interesting club I’ve been able to be a part of, as it is something that I believe only a military school would be able to host. As in the name, the Rifle Club is about learning how to operate all types of firearms. I feel that, while it is not a necessary skill to learn, having knowledge about possibly deadly tools is a skill I am satisfied to have.
Main Line Media News: Who is your favorite military figure and why?
Nicholas Wu: My favorite military figure has to be General Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was one of the most defining generals of World War 2, being the supreme commander of the allied forces against Nazi Germany and later one of the most successful presidents of the United States. What I believe made him able to be supreme commander was his ability to keep the allies unified, instead of being multiple countries with their own goals and plans. He was able to settle down any disagreements and turn the bickering French, British, and United States forces to focusing on the enemy at hand.
Main Line Media News: Tell us a little about the activities of the school’s National Honor Society.
Nicholas Wu: In VFMA’s National Honor Society, most of the responsibilities include doing community service events every so often, helping the teacher keep the class you are in under control, being an academic role model for other students, and running the school store every morning, which helps fundraise money for any school activities or events.
Main Line Media News: What is your favorite course at Valley Forge Military Academy and why?
Nicholas Wu: Picking one course is hard, as I don’t believe there is a class that is below the others in relevance, but if I was forced to choose based on pure personal interest, I would have to pick history — it is a subject that I find continued interest in. The somewhat unorthodox lectures of my teacher CPT Rosato also contributes to my interest, as it is a fresh new way of learning that I haven’t experienced before.
Main Line Media News: Tell us a little about Mr. Mushnick and what you see as the key to playing his character.
Nicholas Wu: I’m generally very shy and introverted so being a part of a theatrical production was not something I had particularly planned on doing, but it was just something I felt would end up being a pretty fun experience. I don’t think I’m a good actor at all, but I believe that Mr Mushnik was a fitting role for me as I didn’t have to deviate far from my actual personality to portray the character.
Main Line Media News: What has been your favorite experience as a VFMA athlete?
Nicholas Wu: I’m not exactly athletic, but being a part of the soccer and swimming teams were very enjoyable to me. My favorite moment has to be when I was able to prevent the opposing team from scoring a couple of times, and getting the thanks of our goalkeeper.
Main Line Media News: What is your favorite book, and why?
Nicholas Wu: I mostly read some sort of fantasy novels, as I enjoy character dynamics and development as opposed to plot or messages. If I had to pick a book series I liked the most, it would have to be the Ciaphus Cain series written by Sandy Mitchell.
(To be selected as Main Line Student of the Week, a student must first be nominated by his or her school.)
