Boarding life at Admiral Farragut Academy has always been diverse. Even dating back to the earliest years of the St. Petersburg campus, students have traveled from countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, Bermuda, and Canada to study at Farragut. Today, we are home to students from 17 states and 26 different countries. At any given time in the halls, you will hear Chinese, Spanish, and Russian being spoken alongside English, and many students are proud to say that they have friends from countries like Monaco, Panama, and the Czech Republic.

It is this melting pot of cultures that the Lemmons brothers call home.

Caleb Lemmons ‘20 has been a student at Farragut since his 8th grade year in 2015. His younger brother, Christian, joined him this past year.

“I have to confess that Caleb leaving us at age 13 and Christian this year was a major challenge,” said James Lemmons, Caleb and Christian’s dad. “They both seemed to make the transition look easy, which in turn made it easier for us. And of course, Farragut has had a lot to do with making them feel at home.”

The Lemmons family lives in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, where James works for Saudi Aramco, a Saudi Arabian national petroleum and natural gas company. “Caleb was born in Saudi and Christian was born in Bahrain,” James said. “They have both had the luxury of traveling to more than 40 countries. This has exposed them to cultures from all over the world and broadened their perspective on life.”

“The atmosphere here is like a family,” Caleb said.

“It’s small, and everyone knows everyone. When you do something good, everyone knows about it, and same as when you do something bad.”

Christian agreed. “You always have friends by your side.”

“I don’t get homesick too much,” Caleb continued. “The first time I was away from home was at a baseball camp for two weeks, and I was homesick there, but here it’s the opposite.”

“I’m okay with living away,” Christian added. “Last year I was a boarder at another school so it was different and I wasn’t with my brother. This year I feel like I’m with family because I have my older brother with me. That definitely helps me to not be homesick.”

“The separation from the family has been the biggest impact on us,” James said. “Their younger brother, Carlin, who is still at home, often misses them and asks questions about the need for the separation. However, this setback is more than compensated by the obvious growth in Caleb. I am amazed at the pace of growth and maturity I’ve seen in Caleb from the very beginning of his stay at Farragut.”

Since he started, Caleb has built and developed a strong wrestling career, placing consistently in tournaments and meets. “I am not sure where that came from,” James said, “but he has found a passion that has directly influenced his academic work ethics and personal maturity.”

Caleb is planning to continue wrestling into college, where he is interested in either biology or engineering. “Biology is my favorite class. Mrs. Deitche makes it really fun.”

Christian, who is newer to boarding school life and Farragut, is also developing.

“Boarding teaches you to be independent,” Christian said. “It shows you an example of what you’ll do in the future.”

Christian isn’t sure yet what he wants to be when he grows up, but right now he likes science. “It’s really fun to see all the animals in Mr. Sadler’s room.”

The Lemmons family has plenty of advice for future boarding families.

“My main advice to other parents would be to stand back and watch them grow,” James said.

“Micromanaging may inhibit their growth. Facilitate their growth by expanding privileges step by step. Let them find their own way, similar to Caleb and wrestling.”

“Be prepared,” Caleb said. “Boarding is a life-changing experience and it’s a tough thing to be prepared for, but you’ll have friends who will have your back.”

Christian’s advice is simple. “Do well and you’ll be okay.”

In their lower school science class with Mr. Henry Sadler, the 7th-grade students worked with partners to model one of three volcano types: the shield, cinder cone, or composite.

Since 7th grade focuses on Earth and Space science, the class had a large unit on tectonic activity and volcanoes. They were required to decide on a type of model to create, and they had the freedom to design the type of reaction used to make the volcano explode.

There were several types of chemical reactions that the students used.

Classic Eruption:

Vinegar + Bicarbonate Soda —> Carbonic Acid + Sodium Acetate
The carbonic acid is unstable, so it breaks down into water and carbon dioxide, causing the massive ‘eruption’ seen in the experiment.

Elephant’s Toothpaste:

hydrogen peroxide –› water + oxygen
Hydrogen peroxide is a molecule made up of hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms. It can be expressed using the chemical formula, 2H2O2. Under the right conditions, hydrogen peroxide will undergo a chemical reaction to break down into two parts, oxygen and water.

Mentos and Diet Coke:

Carbon dioxide in soda is compressed into the liquid but it is under tension. The CO2 is attracted to any bumps that it can grab onto, which are called nucleation sites: places the gas can grab onto and start forming bubbles.

The surface of a Mentos is sprayed with over 40 microscopic layers of liquid sugar, giving it lots of nucleation sites. This means that every Mentos has the capability to have an incredible number of bubbles form on it when placed in soda. The Mentos sink, react with all the soda, and create massive foam.

Physical Propulsion:

A few creative students used a physical propulsion system rather than a chemical one. They essentially made a sort of Volcano shaped potato cannon, using pressurized air to propel projectiles (representing tephra, and volcanic ejecta) such as baking soda, rice, confetti, and foam blocks to display the eruption.

As a member of the American Military College and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS), Admiral Farragut Academy was invited to participate in a National Military Drill competition for the second year in a row.

Our drill team performed a routine after being given only five minutes to prepare for the sequence of movements. The performance was filmed and judged along with those of 27 other schools in our class and sent to AMCSUS for judging.

This year, a Physical Fitness Challenge was added as another competition. The fitness challenge team included five male and five female cadets who competed in push-ups, sit-ups, and a mile and a half run.  Results were compiled and sent, like those of the drill competition, to AMCSUS for judging.

Farragut took First Place in the National Physical Fitness Challenge and was ranked number 1 of 27.

Congratulations to our ladies team, consisting of Jolie Caya, Haley Saylor, Brielle Benefield, Alexis Hernandez and Abby Fiorillo.

Congratulations to the men’s team consisting of Jason Chen, Philip Henderson, Alex Fiorillo, Ashton Raymer and James Monahan.

“The entire school is proud of our team,” said CMDR Shock. “The trophy has been presented and resides in the Office of the Commandant and each participant has been awarded the Unit Service NJROTC Ribbon for representing our Academy in an outstanding manner.”

Jeff Morin and Chris Fields

On Saturday, April 21, 2018, the Parents’ Group hosted their auction, Off to the Races. Farragut families, friends and faculty converged with their fabulous big hats and dapper bow ties for this year’s Kentucky Derby theme.

The evening included a portrait upon arrival, dinner, drinks, dance routines by professionals from Magic Dance Club, raffles, the silent and live auction, and contests for best hat, best bow tie, and most creative. Congratulations to winners: best hat – Wendy Covington, best bow tie – Jeff Morin, and most creative – a tie between Lanie Salebra and Jennifer Love.

Overall the event raised over $93,000, which included the successful paddle raises for the Lower and Upper School STEM enhancements that the Parents’ Group had hoped to provide. The STEM enhancements will include new software, hardware, and a 3D printer that will support many campus departments and will impact students starting in 2nd grade and up. We would also like to thank auctioneer and Farragut parent, Chris Stott, for dazzling the room with his British accent and wit to increase live auction participation and giving.

A very special thank you goes to Parents’ Group Event Chair and Treasurer July Bonilla and Event Co-Chair and President Denise Colangelo, who put in hundreds of hours preparing for the evening. Of course, none of it would have been possible without the Auction Committee Members and Volunteers, AFA Parents, Class Basket Organizers, Faculty and Staff Volunteers, Sponsors, and our Attendees to make this another successful year of fundraising for Farragut.

Thank you for your support of Admiral Farragut Academy and the Parents’ Group!

To be involved in the Parents’ Group or other school events, email parentsgroup@farragut2.org or join the Parents’ Group Facebook Group.

Victoria Raymer, Jennifer Love, Lanie Salebra, and Shannon Stalzer

Saskia Etter, Samantha Lewis, July Bonilla, and Denise Colangelo

Deborah Gray and Vincent Wright

Watch the video that was played at the auction:

Congratulations to our Class of 2018 graduates who have been accepted to the following colleges and universities!

Florida Institute of Technology

East Carolina University

Tallahassee Community College

University of Mississippi

University of Alabama

Florida Atlantic University

University of Central Florida

North Carolina State

University of Colorado-Boulder

University of Toledo

Palm Beach State College

Broward State College

Delaware State University

Ohio University

Jacksonville University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Kent State University

Ohio State University-Newark

St. Petersburg College

Flagler College

University of South Florida-St. Petersburg

Eckerd College

Lynn University

Colorado State University

Carthage College

Missouri Valley College

Johnson & Wales University

University of San Francisco

Syracuse University

University of California-Santa Cruz

Indiana University-Bloomington

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Wesley College

Randolph Macon College

Wagner University

Hagerstown Community College

Saint Leo University

The Citadel

Virginia Military Institute

Widener University

Coppin University

Pennsylvania College Art & Design

Penn State/Wilkes Barre

Penn State/Altoona

University of Arizona

Hofstra University

University of Florida/Santa Fe

Virginia Tech

University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)

Arizona State University

Catholic University

Santa Fe College

Tulsa Community College

Jacksonville University

Hampton University

IMT (Fashion Design Institute)

Clark University

University of California-Riverside

Earlham College

University of Connecticut

Michigan State University

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Maine Maritime Academy

University of Illinois-Champaign

The Ohio State University

The Pennsylvania State University

University of California-Santa Barbara

University of Colorado Denver

University of Nevada/Reno

University of Maine

Florida State University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Catawba College

Saint Leo University

Barry University

University of Buffalo

Rutgers University

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

University of the Pacific

University of Tampa

Norwich University

University of Oklahoma

Texas A&M University/Tarleton State University (2+2)

Pennsylvania State University (2+2)

Broward College-Ecuador

Bethune-Cookman University

Georgia Perimeter College

Florida Atlantic University

Colorado State University

SUNY Maritime Academy

Stetson University

University of Oregon

University of Denver

Loyola University Chicago

University of Colorado-Boulder

Miami University-Ohio

University of Rochester

University of California-Davis

University of Washington-Seattle

Northeastern University

Boston University

George Washington University

University of New Haven

Rochester Institute of Technology

SUNY Stony Brook

Wentworth Institute of Technology

University of Navarra (Pamplona, Spain)

Brevard College

Miles College

Howard University

Drexel University

University of Hartford

Seton Hall University

Massachusetts State University/Boston

Massachusetts Maritime Academy

SUNY Albany

SUNY Binghamton

University of Pittsburgh

St. Lawrence University

Clarkson University

Pennsylvania State University

University of West Florida

Bard College

Fordham University

Towson University

University of Maryland/Eastern Shore

Savannah College of Art & Design

On Friday, April 27th, the Lower School put on their second annual Talent Show. Students from grades Kindergarten to 7th grade performed, and the performances included everything from singing and dancing to science experiments and golf.

Kindergartener Lara Shamseddine performing “24 Magic” by Bruno Mars

4th grader Marin Lewis performing with her dance instructor Jan Bumbak

Kindergartener Isobel Davis doing a gymnastics routine to “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift

2nd graders Rylie Costello, Sereen Shamseddine, Leila Bakken, Jana Fackih, Braylee Rano, and Bailey Reynolds (L-R) performing “Someday” from the Disney Channel movie Zombies

Kindergartener Rogan Hearn showing off his knowledge of Golf

Kindergartener Erin Prather ballet dancing to “Best Day Of My Life” from Kidz Bop

5th grader Bella Reynolds and 6th grader Julia LoRusso showing off science experiments

5th grader Zac Vaughn performing Bach’s “Minuet 2” on the violin

7th grader Madison Hollingsworth performing “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

The “Hamiltones”, 7th graders Calli McKee, Christian Lemmons, Chloe McQueen, Jillian Aprile, and Sam Wilson (L-R), performing “Alexander Hamilton” from the musical Hamilton

Many people work for years finding their dream. Others, like Admiral Farragut Academy junior Nella Filipkova, discover their dreams suddenly.

Nella, whose family moved from the Czech Republic so she could be a day student at Farragut, has only been attending the school for one year. She started Aviation classes in August of 2017, started Aviation Academy in January of 2018, and she flew solo for the first time on April 20th, 2018, in a Cessna 172, tail number N5258Z, on runway 7 at Albert Whitted Airport.

“The class just sounded like it’d be fun,” Nella said. “I thought, ‘let’s see where this goes’. I ended up loving it.”

“Flying is really relaxing, it’s almost like meditating. But it’s also exciting. There’s always something new. It’s not like being in a car, where if something goes wrong you can just pull over. When you’re in the air you have to think fast and act quickly.”

“Nella has done a tremendous amount of work in a short period of time,” said Rob Ewing, director of the Aviation program at Farragut. “She has an exceptional memory and is a very capable, safe pilot. Each flight she strives to improve and, with a 98 on her written exam last month, she is well on her way to earning the Private Pilot certificate.”

Nella now has a new dream for her future. “I think I’d like to go to Embry-Riddle and get all of my endorsements to become a commercial pilot,” she said. When asked if she has advice for other students wanting to take aviation, her response was simple.

“Don’t be afraid,” she said. “Just do it.”

Please join the Aviation department in congratulating Nella on earning her solo endorsement.

Each year, a new leadership team in the corps of cadets is chosen by the administration, Naval Science Department, and educators at Admiral Farragut Academy. With over 85 rising seniors entering the 2018-19 school year, Naval Science has decided to separate the corps of cadets into two leadership regiments which reflects the model used by many other military academies.

What does this mean? One leadership regiment, which includes the regimental commander, the regimental staff, and the battalion leaders, will lead during the first semester of the 2018-19 school year. During the end of the first semester, a new regiment will be chosen to lead during the second semester which will give additional cadets the opportunity to earn leadership positions and that valuable experience of leading their peers.

As an academic institution, our job is to give our students the necessary tools to be successful at the university level. Most universities are looking for well-rounded individuals who are involved and doing well academically, athletically, and are involved in extracurricular activities.

With the additional leadership positions, our students will have an even greater opportunity to shine at AFA as well as in future endeavors.

The first leadership regiment for the 2018-19 school year has been chosen and will be announced early next week.

Learn more about Leadership at Farragut.

On Thursday, April 26, 2018, our Upper School students had their final chance to win the Battalion War Cup of the 2017-18 school year. During a fun-filled day the battalions of Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie competed in up to 22 activities. View pictures of the day. The activities were:

• Schoolyard Basketball – 10 Min 3 v 3
• Golf Putt Competition – Hula Hoops
• Jeopardy
• Ping Pong – 1 v 1 Round Robin
• Chess – Round Robin – Six Games – Time Limit
• Cornhole/Bag Toss – Round Robin Format – Time Limit
• Gator Ball – 3 v 3
• Wiffle Ball
• 100 Meter Dash – Men
• 100 Meter Dash – Women
• Ultimate Frisbee – Ten Minute Time Limit – Round Robin
• 3 Point Competition – Men
• Free Throw Competition – Women
• Volleyball – Mixed Gender
• Capture the Flag
• NBA 2K – Round Robin – 10 Min Game
• Sketch Competition
• Soccer – 10 Min Game 7v7
• Pizza Eating Contest
• Sailboat Rigging – Timed Competition
• Farragut Ironman Race
• Super Smash Brothers

Afterward, everyone headed to the gymnasium where our faculty tallied up the scores to find the winner. Congratulations to BRAVO BATTALION for winning first place the second year in a row!

On Monday, May 7th, Admiral Farragut Academy hosted a care package party with boarding student volunteers and over 50 volunteers from around the community for Molly’s Adopt a Sailor Program.

Molly’s Adopt a Sailor Program has been in existence for 10 years and its purpose is to send care packages to our deployed military. Molly’s Adopt A Sailor has grown to the level of recognition within the Navy and all branches. The care packages go to a recipient that does not often receive things from home and have been nominated by other military personnel, comrades, chaplains, or other related personnel. In celebration of Navy Week, Molly’s Adopt A Sailor has executed several packing parties and other community events to raise awareness.

More than 20 of our boarders helped unload the packing boxes, set up the goods and assembly lines, and helped put together the care packages. The boarders had a great time while being part of something bigger than themselves.

Other volunteers included those from the Navy, Chief Daniels with the USS Mahan stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and eight of his crewmates who are in town for Navy Week at MacDill, and Chief Michael Martin with the NRS St. Petersburg and NRD Miami; the Sunshine Soul Sisters, a running, biking, and exercise group that does a lot of charitable benefits; the St. Petersburg General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) and the St. Petersburg GFWC Junior Women’s Club; and Molly’s Adopt a Sailor volunteers.

Special thank you to Cathleen Lesnick, Janet Hodges, Rita Bauwens (her daughter, Karlie Bauwens), and Lori Roberge with Molly’s Adopt a Sailor and to AFA’s Victoria Raymer, CDR Schock, Pete Vaughn, and Commandant Wallingford for coordinating this event for our students.

Learn more about Molly’s Adopt a Sailor Program.

View more pictures on SmugMug.

Maker:L,Date:2017-8-19,Ver:5,Lens:Kan03,Act:Kan02,E-Y

Admiral Farragut Academy is proud to have students that embody a charitable spirit. Robert Laovoravit, a senior international boarding student from Pak Kret, Thailand, is a prime example of this spirit, as he showed with his Eagle Scout project in February.

Robert with the Activities Coordinator for the retirement home.

Over about a month between late February and the beginning of Spring Break, Robert built two picnic benches and tables for a local retirement community. Admiral Farragut Academy was instrumental in helping the project by donating $400 for materials and supplies. The benches were arranged one per table so that patrons in wheelchairs could access the other side of the table.

Robert wasn’t the only one invested in the project. He had a number of people at Farragut that helped him including faculty, staff, and his peers who all worked for a total of 102 hours. The Farragut students who helped him also gained a total of 75 hours collectively towards their community service.

“It was really nice seeing all of my classmates being so willing to help,” Robert said.

“Most of them didn’t even need the community service hours. They were just doing it out of the goodness of their heart.”

A special thank you to everyone at Farragut that was involved in the project: Jose Lynch, Tobias Klenk, Sara Oi, Mr. Carlos Javier, Mr. Joshua Moore, Madison Moore, Rex Walrond, Ashton Raymer, Cole Raymer, Mr. Derek Raymer, Mr. James Becker, Vladimir Poliak, Mr. Jose Ferrer, Bo Nwoo, Jun Lee, Cadence Smith, Mr. Pete Vaughn, Mrs. Locklear, Mrs. Wallingford, CAPT Fine, and Mr. Marc Spera.

Robert has been in Boy Scouts for 8 years and was a Cub Scout before that. He is also on the Sailing team and in Scuba classes, and he was a member of Junior Statesmen of America. He has been accepted to the University of California Riverside and will major in Psychology. “I want to be in the Coast Guard, and then after that, I’m not sure what I’d like to do,” he said. “Hopefully getting a degree in Psychology will help me find my career.”

We’re so proud of you Robert. Keep up the great work!

With the support of the Farragut Parents’ Group and Farragut families Chris and Jennifer Love (Gator Mechanical) and Lanie and Mark Salebra (Salebra Family Restaurants), six Elkay® ezH2O® filtered-water fountains and bottle refill stations have been installed throughout campus.

The Parents’ Group purchased four water station units that are already installed or being installed in Farragut Hall, the Russell building, the Lower School playground, and the Lower School classroom walkway outside the office. The Salebra family purchased the single unit at the Al Ross Field’s concession stand and the Love family purchased a double unit for the Huntley Gymnasium. With the funds raised from events like the Golf Tournament or Annual Auction, the Parents’ Group was also able to pay for all installation costs.

The electronic counter on the station allows students to see how many 20 oz. plastic disposable water bottles they are saving by using their own refillable bottles.

“This is an opportunity to teach our students the value of reusable goods,” said 2017-18 Parents’ Group President Denise Colangelo. “They are learning at a young age to recycle, reduce, reuse, and to respect the Earth.”

Already the students are drinking more water and staying hydrated during school. On Facebook Kindergarten teacher Marilyn Reynolds wrote, “the kids love using it and are drinking so much water just for the chance to refill their water bottles throughout the day!!! We love our Farragut Family!” Farragut parent Saskia Etter who has two daughters in Lower School at Farragut commented, “My girls all of the sudden refill their bottles a couple of times a day – way to go in making them drink more!!!”

On Tuesday, May 8th, Farragut senior James Sands earned his solo pilot endorsement in a Cessna 172, tail number N5258Z, on runway 7 at Albert Whitted Airport.

“It was really intense,” said James, who is a 7-day boarder from Nassau, Bahamas. “We were just going around the traffic pattern, and Mr. Ewing told me to land and he got out. I was a little nervous. My feet were rattling, but I kept them still so I didn’t mess up the rudders.”

“James is becoming a very competent pilot,” said Aviation instructor Rob Ewing. “Over the past 2 weeks, he showed a true commitment to becoming solo endorsed and his hard work paid off.”

“I love flying,” James added. “I love the risk that comes with it. There are always different challenges, for example when you’re coming down low and there’s a strong cross breeze. It’s really exciting.”

“It also helps you learn to focus on what you need to do,” James continued. “It shows you how to focus on what’s important as a pilot in command.”

James grew up around planes. “My dad is a pilot. He flies seaplanes in the Bahamas. Even as a kid I would be in the cockpit as his co-pilot. I couldn’t wait until he could give me the controls.”

In the fall, James will be attending SUNY Maritime with the goal of becoming a merchant marine. “Farragut makes sure you have the tools you need to go to college. Mrs. Williar [Director of Counseling and College Placement] is a rock star. She helped me with all of my applications and with housing and everything. I couldn’t thank her enough for what she’s done.”

“That’s my career goal,” he continued, “but I’m going to keep flying too. I want to get my private pilot’s license and my seaplane rating so I can fly seaplanes back home.”

Pictured left to right Alex Oi (BC), Steven Smiley (BC), Evan Schlifstein (Regimental Commander), Valentina Galliano (COS), and Gianni De Felice (BC).

It is with great pleasure that we introduce the Regimental Leadership Staff for the 1st semester of the 2018-19 school year:

• Regimental Commander – Evan Schlifstein
• Battalion Commander – Alex Oi
• Battalion Commander – Steven Smile
• Battalion Commander – Gianni De Felice
• Chief of Staff – Valentina Galliano

They have proven themselves through their commitment to naval science, leadership, academics, and their desire to improve the Farragut corps of cadets. We look forward to seeing what they’ll accomplish!

View pictures of the Final Parade and Change of Command Ceremony

Change of Command Ceremony for the upcoming 2018-19 school year held on Friday, May 18, 2018.

An Interview with 2017-18 Regimental Commander Evan Schlifstein ‘19

Evan has attended Farragut since the 4th grade and is a former day student from St. Petersburg who has moved onto campus this past year as a boarder since earning his recent leadership roles.

What does this leadership role mean to you?
It means a lot. I’ve been here since 4th grade and I’ve always looked up to the cadets in leadership. Now that I’m Regimental Commander, I feel that I, along with the staff and the naval science department, will continue to move Farragut forward. This past year I was Charlie Battalion Executive Officer and lived as a 5-day boarder. I was responsible for cadets in the dormitory and that the cadets were wearing the uniform properly and behaving accordingly during formations. As RC I will be a 7-day boarder and will be responsible for the cadets also over the weekends. I think it’s important for me to be here to be a role model and ensure everyone is doing what they should be.

What do you hope to accomplish this upcoming year?
I hope to take a lot of the weight off of the naval science department and instead put it onto the regimental staff’s shoulders. The staff did that this year and we learned our limitations, so I hope to work around those limitations and hopefully put more responsibility on the cadets.

How did you feel when you found out you would be the new Regimental Commander?
It was definitely inspiring. It showed me that I will be able to make a change and lead people towards change and what we see best fit for the regiment. I was surprised that the leaders received so much applause because we often have to be tough with our peers when we have a leadership role. I did feel supported.

Your brother Ian Schlifstein ‘15 was the Regimental Commander for the 2014-15 school year. How does it feel to continue that legacy?
I have seen the dedication it takes. I have had so many different experiences at Farragut, and I believe I can lead the regiment in the right direction.

How has your time at Farragut prepared you for this leadership role?
I’ve watched other Battalion Commanders and Regimental Commanders’ leadership styles. I’ve also worked my way up through the leadership ranks from being just a part of the company to a squad leader, a company chief and finally to a company commander. I’ve been almost every position on the regiment except for the boxed staff.

What are your thoughts on two regiments with new leaders per semester?
This will provide more opportunities not just for everyone else that wants to step into the leadership, but also for me because I will be able to experience another type of leadership role after I step down from RC.

What is your goal for college and for a career?
I hope to earn an ROTC scholarship or possibly attend the Naval Academy. I ultimately want to enter the medical field in the Navy as a doctor, and then once I retire from the Navy become a private practice doctor. I’m interested in being an anesthesiologist, like my father, or an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor. I know that this is a very difficult path, but I feel that Farragut has given me the tools I need to succeed.

An Interview with 2017-18 Regimental Commander George Hamilton ‘18

George has attended Farragut since the 6th grade and is a 7-day boarder from California

What words of advice would you give Evan as you complete the Change of Command?
Sometimes it’s hard to be the man in the arena. Remember you chose to be it and what you’re doing is not about yourself, it’s about a great cause – the cause of Farragut. There’s no personal glory, but there’s glory that can be obtained for the school. It’s about serving people. In the beginning, I was nervous, but you will lose the stage fright.

What are your thoughts on two regiments with new leaders per semester?
I think it’s an amazing opportunity. Evan will experience what it’s like to be first in charge and then he can take a step back and watch from a distance. I think by the end of next year, when he’s giving this same advice it will give him a great outlook because he will know what it is like to be first and then to be second. That together, I can imagine, are two completely different experiences. It’s great to give other people the opportunity to lead. I believe that Evan is the man to do it and I trust naval science that Evan’s successor will be just as good as he will be. I think you’ll continue to see more improvements throughout Farragut and the regiment.

How did being the Regimental Commander impact you as a person and as a leader for your future?
I think you find out who your friends and your adversaries are quite quickly. It allows you to differentiate being someone’s friend and being their leader. The job as RC is not to befriend the cadets but to lead the cadets. It’s a great base for becoming a public servant because you serve others. It also helps you improve your public speaking, writing, and interview skills.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year as Regimental Commander?
I believe I am leaving behind an improved corps of cadets with a more professional personal appearance and an improved quality of officers with higher ambitions for next year.

What is your goal for college and for a career?
I am attending Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and will be studying Classical Civilization because I have a great interest in Greek and Roman history and the way it provided a basis for the foundation of the U.S. government. Beyond college, I plan to serve in the military and then in public service as a state official.

View pictures of all of the exciting 2017-18 end-of-year events including academic awards, final parade, graduation and more!

 Final Parade & Change of Command Ceremony | Read Full Article

Senior Award Ceremony Pictures | View Award Winners





Upperclassmen Award Ceremony | View Award Winners

Senior Dinner

Graduation

At Farragut, summer means jump right in. With fun and educational summer day camps and a world-renowned summer boarding program, our attendees get a glimpse of all the “awesome” that happens here all year long. And yes, our camps for EVERYONE, not just students of Admiral Farragut Academy!

Unique two-, four-, or six-week summer boarding experience for teens entering grades 8-12, which includes academic and elective courses, as well as a variety of fun activities on- and off-campus.

Day summer camps for boys and girls entering PreK (must be age 4) to 8th grade include Little Captains, Bricks 4 Kids, Sports@Farragut, STEM@Farragut, Writing@Farragut, and LittleExplorers@Farragut.

In May, 3rd grade twins Bennett and Benjamin Deskovich competed in the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association Folkstyle State Championship in Kissimmee Florida.

Competition was fierce and both boys wrestled extremely well.

Bennett finished 4th after 6 matches, including two nationally ranked opponents. This was Benjamin’s first year wrestling and he finished 5th in his division.

Earlier in the season, Bennett took a first place medal in the Florida Jets Turkey Takedown. He also spent time with Olympic Wrestler Ellis Coleman who was a guest coach for him during the IOWN Florida tournament in Bradenton where he earned the fastest takedown of the tournament of 6 seconds. There were 300 kids in this competition.

Benjamin won a prestigious 2nd place in the IOWN Florida tournament in North Port. He worked hard for that title and came out victorious after a really long day.




These boys spent 5 months doing crossfit 3 times per week in the off-season and then five months of 6 hours a week wrestling practice just to be able to compete at this level.

Each year, a new leadership team in the corps of cadets is chosen by the administration, Naval Science Department, and educators at Admiral Farragut Academy. With over 85 rising seniors entering the 2018-19 school year, Naval Science has decided to separate the corps of cadets into two leadership regiments which reflects the model used by many other military academies.




What does this mean? One leadership regiment, which includes the regimental commander, the regimental staff, and the battalion leaders, will lead during the first semester of the 2018-19 school year. During the end of the first semester, a new regiment will be chosen to lead during the second semester which will give additional cadets the opportunity to earn leadership positions and that valuable experience of leading their peers.

As an academic institution, our job is to give our students the necessary tools to be successful at the university level. Most universities are looking for well-rounded individuals who are involved and doing well academically, athletically, and are involved in extracurricular activities.

With the additional leadership positions, our students will have an even greater opportunity to shine at AFA as well as in future endeavors.

The first leadership regiment for the 2018-19 school year has been chosen and will be announced early next week.




Learn more about Leadership at Farragut.

Whether you’ve had an opportunity to view the physical changes on campus with your own eyes or not, we are excited to share with everyone in the Farragut Family the immense transformation underway. We also would like to take you on an aerial tour of the vision that is now becoming reality. The Admiral Farragut Academy Performing Arts Multipurpose Building construction project is moving along according to plan and is on pace to transform the footprint of our campus and the lives of our students, benefiting AFA for generations to come.

Drone footage provided by 8th Grade student Robert Heiss

Construction Update:

Extensive work has been completed including invisible, yet important, upgrades to drainage systems along Park Street and Fifth Avenue. The contractor is currently blocking up the walls bringing the highly anticipated structure of this building into clear view. According to AFA Headmaster, Robert J. Fine, Jr., “As the walls go up, we will have our first look at this majestic space in progress, and will get a better sense of the impact it will produce.” The contractor will be erecting a crane around the middle of June for the steel framework.

As an added safety measure, the fire marshall allowed us to add a new fire loop and several additional hydrants at considerable cost, but an improvement that will make our campus safer.  

Among the first tangible benefits to students, faculty, families, donors and visitors will be the improved and expanded parking area and driveway. The drop-off loops will be ready for the next academic year, and steady progress will continue to be made over the summer. We invite you to share our excitement and tell others about the progress that is being made to reimagine our campus.

Capital Campaign Update:

On the fundraising front, we are nearing completion of The New Building Campaign with more than 90% of the $4 million goal committed. This extraordinary accomplishment would not have been possible without friends like you, donors large and small, coming together to contribute to this effort. Additionally, a re-energized Alumni Program and Lower School Parents effort have bolstered our efforts. Case in point, Raey Webster ’59, who hopes his gift will motivate his classmates and others to join the effort, said, “Admiral Farragut Academy is part of who I am and helped make me who I am today. I’m happy to give back by supporting this critically important project.” That said, our work is not done and fundraising continues.

There are still prominent naming opportunities available for you to consider. For more information, contact AFA Chief Development Officer, Tony Sloan, at 813-416-7202 or tsloan@farragut.org.