Early Spring 2026

Issue 22

Dear Friends of First State Military Academy,

As FSMA continues to grow and seek new challenges, while equipping our young people to work hard wherever life after graduation takes them – I am reminded of what a long journey it has been.

Our school started some eleven years ago with a thought of providing a place where discipline, a sense of perseverance, citizenship, and eliminating some of the external “noise” that comes with traditional high schools was going to be part of our DNA.  A sense of community, working together, while each individual cadet is held to the same standard has been and will remain part of our school.  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 work towards your future.

FSMA heads into late Spring 2026 with some of the same challenges that public schools face.  Issues around fewer teachers and fewer educational specialists, cadet attendance, and other issues outside of the control of our school and, in some cases, beyond the influence of our parents, all have an impact on our cadets.  We are seeing a slight increase in school days missed by some of our cadets, but the Administration remains engaged to get these numbers back into acceptable range. 

However, despite these issues, we remain committed to our Mission and have remain focused on efforts to increase academic excellence and our culture.  Since our Principal Mr. Blair Newman took the helm some three years ago, FSMA continues 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 with Project Based Learning, as well as improving the physical plant of the school.  Last year, with support from our annual golf tournament/fundraiser and a private donation in the amount $50,000 – the school transported and re-built used bleachers for our stadium field.

This year we are about to install a new parking lot up near Swagger Hall with support from the Community Reinvestment Fund and private donations, and we are also embarked upon the funding of a new 100ft x 60ft Flex building for our sports, drill team, and other after-school activities.  This project will costs about $390,000 or more… and all of it must come from grants and support from private sources.   Both of these projects will only increase the extracurricular experience for the 50% of our cadet body that participates in our after-school military, clubs, and sports programs throughout the year.  

As we approach the end of our eleventh year of education, and some 430 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 what we call 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 upper classmen begin instruction on marching, proper salutes, PT, as well as 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 combines the discipline and purpose of the Marine JROTC program with project-based learning and creates a culture that supports respect of each other and our teachers.  We believe that with high expectations, accountability, hard work, and respect for one another, our cadets will 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 upon delivering our model of education and culture as best we can.  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