VALUES—THE HEARTBEAT OF SMA COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SPARKS ADVOCACY Selfless Service, a core value embedded in the JROTC and SMA curricula, culminates every year with five service learning projects. SMA cadets go beyond the Florida community service graduation requirement of 75 hours to average over 125 hours per cadet. The selection process for each service project requires in-depth research and a needs assessment with a meaningful focus on community impact. One selected this fall was “Blankets on the Block,” a fundraising effort that provided over 200 blankets to those experiencing homelessness. Giving back to one’s community and understanding the value that comes from volunteership, commitment, and bringing awareness to local community issues forms the foundation of an SMA advocate.
As the sun rises over formation, everyone is completely silent at attention and awaiting their Cadet Commander to give the order for the raising of the National Flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Peer cadet leaders inspect uniforms which are worn proudly as an outward sign of everything a cadet has individually participated in, accomplished, and earned. This series of events will play out every weekday on both SMA campuses. THE STUDENTS AT SARASOTA MILITARY ACADEMY (SMA) ARE CADETS WHO SHOW A LEVEL OF RESPECT AND INTEGRITY NOT OFTEN FOUND IN YOUNG PEOPLE. THIS COMES FROM THE CORE ETHICAL VALUES OF THE JROTC PROGRAM THAT SHAPE THE EXPECTATIONS OF AN ACADEMY-WIDE CULTURE. Cadets learn how integrity is the foundation of their today and tomorrow regardless of the path they choose. “The path is not easy, but I was supported every step of the way,” recalls Jessiah Straw, Class of 2013. Each cadet’s journey in academics is strengthened not only by their determination, but with the knowledge that peers and faculty are there to lend support. “SMA will always have your back,” says Sophia Hoffman, Class of 2022. Classes are 85 minutes long on a “4x4 Block” schedule in which cadets take four classes every semester covering a full year’s curriculum. The benefits are that it provides a deeper learning opportunity through enhanced lesson plans and fosters greater intellectual curiosity in more subjects. Most importantly, this unique schedule allows for the development of a stronger bond between faculty and cadet as stated by Jennifer Walcker, Class of 2023, “I want to be the impact that my teachers were for me!” B R A N D S T O R Y
SRQMAY22_BrandStoryv3_SMA.indd 12
F E AT U R E
|
S R Q
M A G A Z I N E
|
M A Y / J U N E
2 0 2 2
4/11/22 2:15 PM