Issue No.129 | 8.22.2024

Hello Warrior Families and Supporters,

Monday, our final group of Cadets returned to campus and our Corps of Cadets for the Fall semester became complete.  Thank you to all who helped make these Move-In days seamless for parents and families.  We have received several requests for a copy of General Combs' President's Orientation Briefing so we are attaching it here. 

You can view and purchase all images taken by our professional event photographer, Carlsbad Photo, here.

If you missed yesterday's Opening Ceremony which marked the beginning of the new academic year, you can watch the recording of the live-stream on our YouTube channel here. 

As your Dean of Academics, I am happy to welcome you to the 2024 – 2025 school year! I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.  As we embark on a new academic year, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all our students, both returning and new, along with their families to Army and Navy Academy.  It is with great anticipation and excitement that we begin this journey together, with a shared commitment to educational excellence and personal growth.

As we move forward, I assure you that our Cadets' well-being, safety, and educational progress remain our top priorities.  We have implemented comprehensive measures and protocols to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment.  Our faculty and support staff have been working diligently to prepare for the academic year, designing engaging and meaningful learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of our Cadets.

This year, we will continue to foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and respect within our school community.  We believe in the power of teamwork and the significance of a strong partnership between home and school.  I encourage you to actively engage in your child’s education and maintain open lines of communication. Together, we can provide the support and guidance our Cadets need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce Ms. Maya Ramírez, our Assistant Academic Dean. I have included a copy of this week's and next week's schedules for your review. Our counselors are working diligently with each Cadet to ensure all schedules are complete, and I kindly ask for your support and patience during these next two weeks.

Together, we will overcome obstacles, celebrate achievements, and create a thriving learning community where every Cadett can flourish and become a virtuous young man. Thank you for your unwavering support. We look forward to a successful and rewarding year ahead.

Best,

Dr. Patrizia Zary ( Dr. Z)

Tonight is the HOME Opening Football game against Rock Academy starting at 7 pm.  Cheer us on in from the stands or check out our live-stream on YouTube. Buy tickets here.  Come for the school spirit, Snack Shack, 50/50 raffle.  DJ Cue will open things up with music starting at 5:30 pm.

To document you and your student’s understanding of the expectations, responsibilities, and prohibitions related to participation in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), the US Army Cadet Command is requiring parent signatures on a new consent form. Review, sign, and return this form to ANA's LTC Curby Scarborough at your earliest convenience. 

ANA Cadets were selected to present the National Colors at the annual Wounded Warrior/ Carry it Forward 5K Fun Run event on August 17. There were over 2,000 participants and over $158,000 was raised. The event was held at Liberty Station in San Diego.  As their website states, "The mission at Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors." Cadets who performed the Color Guard were: Casey Watts Teemer, Lance Germani, Philip Hunt, Kelly McKinley, Sanjay Swaroop, and Ethan Shahdadi.  They were joined by Alumni: Michael Ramirez (Class '23), Nathan Torres (Class '24), and Antonio Palma (Class '23).  Chaperones were JROTC team members Manny Ortiz, Eric Kunak, and Bandmaster Leland Lugo.

Please join the Stricker Family and Army and Navy Academy on September 7 at 1 pm to remember 2024 graduate, Caleb Stricker.  Please RSVP using this form.  Share this graphic with anyone you feel would like to attend.  

Join your ANA Patrons Association (ANAPA) community during Back to School Weekend for Beach Bash 2024 on September 14.  Register early so you don't miss out!  Take a look at pictures from last year's event on our Flickr channel here.  

Our 2024 Coffee and Colors breakfast events are restarting on September 27.  This is an opportunity to start your morning with a patriotic heart.  Salute the flag and hear the Atkinson Warrior Band play alongside Academy President, MG Peggy Combs, faculty, and staff.  Breakfast refreshments will be provided.  No RSVP is required.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

• Sept 6-8 - Esprit de Corps (Closed Weekend Cadets Only)
• Sept 6 - Home football game and honoring of Caleb Stricker
• Sept 7 - 1 pm, Caleb Stricker Memorial and Reception 

• Sept 12-15 - Back to School Weekend (Closed Weekend Cadets and Families)
• Sept 27 - Coffee and Colors with the President
• Oct 10 - PSAT and SAT testing