June 2025 Issue 21
Dear Friends of First State Military Academy,
I first want to offer my congratulations to the Class of 2025 as they embark upon the next chapter of their lives, with all the promises and challenges that face every new generation. No one really knows what the future holds, but I do believe we have prepared these young men and women to rise to the challenge and to persevere, which of course is what FSMA remains dedicated to: stand tall, and focus on the task at hand.
This school year has had many of the same challenges that faced us and to a greater extent, the entire educational community in Delaware. Issues around fewer teachers and fewer educational specialists, attendance, and other issues outside of the control of the school and our parents, have all had an impact on our cadets. It remains clear, many of our kids have lost academic, and in some cases, emotional ground from the COVID lockdowns.
However, despite these issues, we remain committed to our mission and remain focused on efforts to increase academic excellence and our culture. Since our principal, Mr. Blair Newman, took the helm some two years ago, FSMA is poised to continue to achieve good things for our families. The Board continues to seek opportunities that will enhance the educational experience of our cadets through innovative teaching techniques, through project-based learning, as well as improving the physical plant of the school. Just this spring, with the help of our first golf fundraiser and a private donation in the amount $50,000 – the school was able to pay for the transportation and re-construction of used stands for our football field. We had over $20,000 in donated supplies and private work that helped complete this major project for the school. This will enhance the experience of the now 50% of our cadet body that participates in after-school military, clubs, and sports programs throughout the year.
As we wrap up our 10th year of education, with some 434 cadets enrolled, we continue to seek those students and families that are looking for something different than what the traditional schools offer. Part of this difference is embodied in SOC – Summer Orientation Camp.
In early August each year we have all our new cadets attend SOC, which is a week-long orientation program held at the school. We issue uniforms, and the upperclassmen begin instruction on marching, proper salutes, PT, and teach the norms and values expected of all cadets. They wear the Marine MARPAT uniform every day. But as I spoke of earlier, it is our culture that sets us apart. We have raised the bar on our cadets’ personal conduct as students in high school. Our educational model of combining the discipline and purpose of the Marine JROTC program with project-based learning creates a culture that supports respect for each other and our teachers, believing that without high expectations, accountability, hard work, and respect for one another, our cadets will not be prepared for life after high school. Given all that we as a state and nation continue to experience, it is ever more critical our cadets are ready for what the future may bring.
In closing, FSMA will remain focused on delivering our model of education and culture. We know this is a challenge, but our Principal and Commandant, with the engagement of our great teachers, will not waiver and will “stay the course.” Our cadets deserve nothing less.
Thank you again for your support of FSMA, and if you ever have any questions – do not hesitate in contacting me directly.
C. Scott Kidner
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