The office of the Commandant has had a lot happening since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.
Residential Life
We have 1stSgt David Worthy in the dorms this year. This move was made to bring a more structured environment and military presence in the dorms.
Our boarders have had lots of opportunities to go on trips such as deep-sea fishing, paintball, amusement parks, and shopping at various local malls. On January 15, 2018, over 90 boarders loaded two charter buses and went to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. Trips to Disney, the Tampa Zoo, and a major water park are also coming up.
Kim and I hosted the Boarder Holiday Party at the Commandant’s Quarters with over 130 students in attendance. We had lots of food, a blazing bonfire, and played games. It was a great opportunity to share time together and further build relationships with these awesome young men and women.
Naval Science
1stSgt Mark Sanchez is our newest addition to our Naval Science staff. He recently retired from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of service. He joins CDR Rick Schock, Senior Naval Science Instructor, and 1stSgt Worthy.
The annual NJROTC Area 7 Managers Inspection was conducted in early November by CDR Dirk P. Hebert, who retired December 1, 2017. I am happy and proud of our cadets who received an overall rating of outstanding! CDR Hebert stated in his 15 years as Area 7 manager, this was the best our cadets had performed in personnel inspection and AMI parade.
Our cadets did a great job supporting the Alumni Homecoming events as well as in the Homecoming parade. It was nice to see and visit with our alumni during the tailgate party hosted at our home. Kim and I also enjoyed attending the Annual Alumni Homecoming Dinner.
Our exemplary AFA Color Guard has been performing at several events in our community. They performed at the Bay Pines V.A. (Massing of the Colors), the St. Pete Ribfest, and the opening of the Tampa Bay Rays/Boston Red Sox game, to name a few.
Under the direction of CDR Rick Schock, we competed in our first ever Orienteering Competition and our cadets placed third at the Lake Louise meet. We look forward to future competitions.
Our Drill Teams have competed at several local meets, including the Lake Howell 07 Sanctioned Meet, Gaither High School 07 Sanctioned Meet, and will be attending the Winter Park 07 Field Meet.
Finally, our cadets have competed in the Association of Military Colleges and Schools in both drill and physical fitness competitions.
It has been a busy and fast-paced school year so far. It is rewarding to see the improvements in the corps of cadets and the direction in which we continue to go. Every day, we are reinforcing the great traditions of Admiral Farragut Academy!