MILITARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES

Have you ever stood at attention when a teacher entered the room or had an upperclassman order you to do sit-ups? And aside from the occasional drug sweep, you've probably never had anyone inspect your personal belongings.

These actions are common at Howe (Ind.) Military School, a co-ed boarding school for Grades 5 through 12, where regular civilian clothing is not worn and the band members aren't the only ones who march in formation.

Y-Press recently visited the northern Indiana school and talked to William Young, 13; Bert Walker, 13; William Rigsby, 13; Edwin Hunter, 13; Rachel McPherson, 12; and D.J. Van Orden, 14.

Many people might be put off by the rigors of a military school, and these students were no exception. Still, they were attracted by Howe's academic reputation.

"I heard of all the opportunities once you graduate from Howe. Most people go on to very nice colleges," said D.J., in his second year at the school.

William Young, who is in his fourth year, said his father urged him to attend because he wasn't learning much in public school.

"It was really bad. Our teachers would sit us down and like five minutes later they'd just walk away. We'd have like the rest of the class period to do whatever we wanted. We didn't even have homework every night. They'd just give you grades," he said.

Rachel, who is in her first year, said her previous school "was kind of too easy. Here it's actually a little bit more challenging."

Getting in

Students applying to Howe face an interview and placement test and also write an essay. Tuition, room, board, books and uniforms cost about $18,000 a year.

Students are divided into companies headed by an adult technical officer. Younger students have private rooms; high school students share rooms.

Students get up at 6 a.m. and go to bed at 9:30 p.m. In between, they have classes, meals in the mess hall, sports and other extracurricular activities, marching drills, inspections, and chapel almost every night -- all while staying on "par" (at least a 2.0 grade-point average).

Students must enroll in two sports. Those in good standing also can visit the canteen to eat snacks, play games or zone out in front of the TV. There also are a lot of clubs -- anything from fishing to community service.

Howe students receive merits for things such as cleaning their rooms, and demerits for misbehavior or sloppiness. Accumulated demerits must be worked off, Bert said. Younger students with 50 demerits, for instance, must march for one hour.

Edwin, who is in his second year, said the strict routine can be hard to get used to.

Some students "just don't want to listen and think they can do whatever they want. They have to learn to adjust to the system 'cause the system won't adjust to them," he said.

"My first year I couldn't stand it here!" echoed William Young.

Missing home

Most students see their parents only on holidays and occasional weekends.

"I didn't realize how much I really cared about my parents and how much they cared about me until I got here," said Bert, who is in his third year.

"As new cadets, we had to be on silent mess, and I just kind of realized how much I missed having family chats with my parents," Rachel said.

As hard as the transition from civilian to cadet might be, these students said it made them stronger.

"Your parents sent you here because they want you to get out in the world and experience stuff that they never had," William Young said. "You do have more responsibility."

"You just have to get used to it. Doesn't take that long, " said second-year cadet William Rigsby.

In the midst of all this hard work, a little rivalry has developed among companies.

Howe has a competition system similar to the different houses at Harry Potter's Hogwarts. Instead of competing for the House Cup, companies compete for the title of Honor Company, based on such criteria as the uniform neatness and marching precision.

Being named Honor Company is worth the effort -- privileges include a pizza party and a late wake-up call, D.J. said.

The students think Howe has had a positive impact on their lives. Bert said he benefits from smaller classes -- usually no more than 18 students: "The teachers concentrate more with each student. They actually have time to work with each student," he said.

Rapport with teachers

Because classes are small and students live on campus, students develop a rapport with teachers.

"Most of our teachers come in the barracks at night during study hall," William Young said. "If you have questions at public schools, the teachers don't come to your house at night."

Bert credits the school with motivating him. Before, "I got good grades, but I just didn't care that much. Then I came here and everyone else around me would try to get good grades, so I wanted to do my best."

Overall, everyone seemed to find his or her experience at the military school above par.

"Even though this is my first year, I can tell I really enjoy it," Rachel said.

Like Rachel, most expect to stay at Howe through high school. However, William Young says four years may be enough. "My dad wants me to, but he said it's up to me, so I don't know."

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Robin Wetherill, 14.

REPORTER: Paige Thomas, 13.