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February 4, 2023

The Chestertown Spy

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Education Ed Notes

Benedictine Awarded Maryland Capital Grant

January 26, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Benedictine has been awarded a Maryland Capital Grant of $1.5 million from Governor Hogan’s FY’23 Budget. These monies will be used to fund construction and engineering costs associated with building a new student residential facility on Benedictine’s school campus located in Ridgely, Maryland.

Governor Hogan poses with an adult that Benedictine serves along with his niece during an earlier visit to Benedictine.

“Receiving this Maryland Capital Grant for Benedictine’s new student residential facility is crucial in our efforts to provide a homelike setting for a student population with significant sensory sensitivities that the current building, nearing the end of its useful life, does not accommodate,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “Securing the funds needed for this project will have a huge impact on the population we support.”

Benedictine’s student demographic has significantly changed since the existing residential space was built in the 1960s. Now, over 80% of the students supported are moderately to severely autistic. Each suite will be equipped with multiple recreational and sensory areas for the students to access along with an updated dining area and a state-of-the-art infirmary that will accommodate these students.

Benedictine is a nonprofit service provider, not a private school and no students’ families pay tuition. Most of the students come from school systems throughout Maryland, and it is only one of five organizations in the state offering residential and special education facilities for students with developmental disabilities and autism. Operating on a year-round basis, the Benedictine School offers highly individualized special education programs which meet the specific needs of each student.

Governor Hogan reviews Benedictine’s site map for new student residential facility during an earlier visit to Benedictine.

The Maryland Eastern Shore Delegation was instrumental in helping Benedictine secure the Maryland Capital Grant. This included Senators Hershey and Eckardt, and Delegates Arentz, Jacobs, Ghrist and Western Shore Senators Guzzone and Zucker.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization supporting more than 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot County Public Schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. Benedictine is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest employers with over 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Benedictine, Education, local news

First-Hand Account Adds Powerfully to Holocaust Museum Visit

January 21, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Those who like their history first-hand will have a chance to combine a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC with the powerful experience of hearing live from a Holocaust survivor in two upcoming Chesapeake Forum courses in February.  On Wednesday, February 1st, Chesapeake Forum will host a bus trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, followed by a rare opportunity to have an online Q & A with a Holocaust survivor, the following Wednesday, February 8th.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a living memorial to the Holocaust, inspiring citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Its primary mission is to advance and disseminate knowledge about the Holocaust; to preserve the memory of those who suffered; and to encourage its visitors to reflect upon the moral and spiritual questions raised by the events of the Holocaust as well as their own responsibilities as citizens of a democracy.

The self-guided Permanent Exhibition, The Holocaust, offers a chronological narrative of the Holocaust through historical artifacts, photographs, and film footage. Throughout the exhibition, visitors will also encounter personal objects and the eyewitness testimonies of individual survivors.  Viewing this exhibition takes 1-3 hours. Other current exhibits include Americans and the Holocaust (45 min), Burma’s Path to Genocide (30 min), Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story (30 min), American Witnesses (30 min), and One Thousand and Seventy-eight Blue Skies (10 min).

Field Trip to the Holocaust Museum is Wednesday, February 1st. One (1) session, 9 AM to 4:30 PM.  $65.  Please note:  The bus leaves the Easton Fire House at 315 Aurora Park Drive at 9 AM sharp.  To register for, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.

The following week, on Wednesday, February 8th, the United States Holocaust Museum is offering Chesapeake Forum the opportunity to connect with a Holocaust survivor remotely via video conference. The program consist of a 30-minute interview between a museum staff member and a Holocaust survivor followed by time for questions and comments from the audience.

An Hour with a Holocaust Survivor is Wednesday, February 8th from 10 – 11 AM.  ZOOM (no recording).  $15.  To register for this or any other Chesapeake Forum course, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities for residents of the Eastern Shore.  To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and preferred email to info@chesapeakeforum.org.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chesapeake Forum, Education, local news

Gunston Celebrates College-Bound Athletes in the Class of 2023

January 21, 2023 by Gunston School Leave a Comment

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The Gunston School is pleased to announce that six members of the class of 2023 have signed their letters of intent to play sports at the college level. At a recent signing ceremony this past Wednesday, January 18, students and their families along with coaches and faculty gathered in the Alice R. Ryan Family Library to celebrate their accomplishments. Nationwide, a little over 7% of high school athletes (about 1 in 13) go on to play a varsity sport in college and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 57) go on to play at NCAA Division I schools. These six college-bound athletes comprise 10% of Gunston’s graduating class, beating the national average for the second year in a row. 

Pictured (seated, l-r) Gunston seniors Kelby Booth (Denton), McKinsey Brown (Centreville), Damian René (Easton), Andrew Rich (Annapolis), Isabelle Wagner (Chestertown), and Autumn Watson (Centreville). Pictured (standing, l-r) Jaxon Booth ’25, Noah Cook, Steven Booth, Madison, Jennifer and Michael Brown, Jean and Katherine René, Peter and Julie Rich, Nicole Wagner, Jim, Heather, and Aidan Watson ’25, and Carrie York.

Damian René of Easton, Md., will be swimming for Swarthmore College. He began his swimming career at age three and transitioned to competitive swimming at age six, making the two-hour round trip six times per week to the Naval Academy Aquatic Club (NAAC)  in Annapolis for the last seven years for two-to-three hour practices. “I enjoy swimming because it has provided me with lasting relationships, helped me hone my leadership and time management skills and taught me the importance of competing as an individual and a team,” said René. “Making the decision to continue swimming at the college level was an easy one. I wanted to improve as a swimmer and swimming is one of the few sports that you can continue for years to come.”

NAAC Head Coach Hilary Yager commented, “Success has always been extremely personal to Damian. He knew at a young age exactly what he wanted to accomplish both academically—which has always and rightfully come first—and athletically. He has been steadfast in his pursuit of his goals, never letting setbacks upset him or knock him off course. He would simply take a moment, reflect on what did and did not go right and then he would get back to work. This trait has made him quite the leader over the years with NAAC. It has been a true privilege for me and the NAAC staff to have been given the opportunity to be involved in his childhood. All of us look forward to Damian’s next steps and following what I am sure will be an incredible journey into adulthood and beyond.” René plans to pursue a degree in Computer Science at Swarthmore.

Andrew Rich of Annapolis, Md., will be swimming for Florida State University. Recently, Rich was named as one of the 1,281 high school Scholastic All-Americans by USA Swimming for the 21-22 school year. At the Winter Junior National Championships East in Greensboro, N.C. earlier this month, he qualified for finals in the 100 and 200 Backstroke and swam times of 48.00 and 1:45.68, respectively. These times broke the NAAC  records and are both in the top 40 swum by high school students nationwide this season. The swims have helped move Rich into the overall #4 ranking for the state of Maryland and the current #143 worldwide (#91 USA) recruits in the class of 2023 based on the top swim recruit ranking website.

Rich began to swim competitively at age five, swimming for both NAAC and the Bay Ridge Swim Team, which he also coached. “Andrew has been a member of NAAC for 12 years— the longest possible time you can spend on the team. He joined us as a tow headed, big smiling 6-year old whose love for the water could be seen in his ear to ear grin. Over the years, we have watched Andrew grow and mature into a very talented athlete and leader. His love for swimming is contagious and the impact it has on his teammates is quite impressive,” said NAAC Head Coach Hilary Yager. 

“The competitive nature of the sport always gives me the drive to get better and swim harder,” said Rich. “Being able to compete in the championships I watched when I was a kid like ACC Championships and NCAA championships would be a dream come true.” He plans to study business at Florida State. 

McKinsey Brown of Centreville, Md., will be playing lacrosse for Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Brown began her lacrosse career in the fourth grade, playing first for travel team Lady Blue Crabs before joining Maryland United, as well as playing for Gunston. “I love how [lacrosse] makes me stronger and work harder every day. I wanted to stay in shape in college but more importantly to come in and play at a higher level and already have a great friend group who would be there for me,” said Brown. 

“SCAD is a really great program and well-known for their consistent championships over the years. McKinsey will definitely have the opportunity to contribute there in a big way,” said Gunston’s Girls Lacrosse Head Coach Imani Black.

“I’ve had the privilege of coaching McKinsey the past three years with Maryland United Lacrosse Club,” said Head Coach Scott Boyles. “Playing for a club like Maryland United the past several years says a lot about McKinsey’s commitment and dedication to the team and sport. She is a stellar model of the term ‘coachable player!’ She will play or take any role as a player, always exceeding the coaches expectations. She is a dominant figure at the game, showing superb athleticism, stick skills and high field IQ. She leads by example and will set the bar high. McKinsey truly displays great character and certainly the ability to play this sport at the highest level. She will always have such a positive impact on those she interacts with as she passes through life.” McKinsey plans to study fashion design and marketing at SCAD. 

Kelby Booth of Denton, Md., will be rowing for Bryn Mawr College. She began rowing in her tenth grade year at Gunston. “I love how rowing pushes me physically and mentally,” Booth said. “I also love the welcoming community and the close bond that comes with it.” She is looking forward to the familiar routine of waking up early every morning, adding “it’ll be good for my time management [in college] and I just truly enjoy being on the water.”

“Kelby is a fierce leader and is incredibly determined in athletics,” said Gunston’s Assistant Athletic Director for Waterfront Athletics Natalie Reading ’16. “She tackles every practice with 100% effort and is supportive of all of her teammates. I was able to coach Kelby as a novice when she was first starting to row and her determination to learn and excel in rowing was contagious.” Booth plans to study International Relations at Bryn Mawr. 

Autumn Watson of Centreville, Md., will be rowing for Rutgers University. She began rowing for Gunston her ninth grade year during all three seasons, serving as coxswain. She recalls learning about crew for the first time, “I was amazed there was a role specifically for people that are short and are loud—and I thought ‘Well, I am short, (4’9 at the time and now 4’11), and I am a loud person when I want to be, so I thought I would be the perfect choice.” Watson also appreciated the opportunity to become a strong leader, “In my role as coxswain, I have to steer the boat, be the team’s coach when we’re out there on the water and make sure I am constantly encouraging everyone to stay strong and not give up,” she explains. “The bond you create is a feeling I have a hard time describing; it makes you all think as one [while you’re] in the boat.”

As coxswain, she also has to keep an eye out for other boats on the water and is responsible for the boat’s hardware as well as training new crew members. 

“Autumn has always been incredibly efficient on and off the water,” adds Reading. “She has grown into her role as both a coxswain and captain with strong enthusiasm. Autumn’s passion for the sport motivates those around her, and will be an incredible asset to her new team.”

Watson decided to compete at the division one college level because she likes the challenge and finds that she thrives the most when involved in sports. “Sports help me keep my life together [and] crew has become such a major part of my life at Gunston over the last four years, I can’t imagine my life without it.” Watson plans to major in mechanical or electrical engineering and minor in computer science programming at Rutgers, with the ultimate dream of designing robots.

Isabelle Wagner of Chestertown, Md., will be rowing for Washington College. She began rowing in the seventh grade at the Naval Academy Rowing Camp and continued there until she came to Gunston where she began to row competitively as part of the rowing team. “I love how free rowing makes me feel and how every time I sit in the boat and start to row it feels as if the world around me goes away and that there is nothing to worry about,” said Wagner, who wants to row in college to stay in shape.

“Isabelle is a humble and unpretentious competitor,” said Reading. “When it is time for a tough practice or race she will focus in and do what needs to be done. She never complains about workouts, and shows up ready to do whatever is asked of her. I have no doubts that Isabelle will excel in collegiate athletics.” Wagner has not yet declared a major and wants to see what Washington College has to offer. 

The Gunston School Athletics Program has 19 interscholastic teams, as well as several recreational athletic offerings. Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information. 

Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information. 

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, Gunston School, local news

Benedictine Awards Service Milestones

January 12, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director, presents Chris Whitesell with a 30 years milestone award.

Benedictine celebrated milestones in service for 44 of its dedicated staff members in early December. The awards were presented to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years.

Staff were given a special thank you gift during a recognition luncheon. Staff celebrating 5,10 and 15 years of service were each given a certificate; 20 years received a framed, personal write-up award; 25, and 30 received a framed certificate noting years of service with number of months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds plus a canvas picture of the iconic Benedictine mile lane with its original stone wall entrance. In addition, all staff received a monetary gift based on their years of service.

Chris Whitesell, Operations Manager, celebrated 30 years and retired from Benedictine at the end of December. Whitesell’s career spanned many areas as a Teacher, Counselor, Vice Principal, Coordinator of Therapeutic Group Homes, Interim Education Director, Interim Open Community Program Director, and Operations Coordinator.

“Each year I look forward to celebrating Benedictine’s staff by presenting the Milestone Awards,” stated Scott Evans, Benedictine Executive Director. “This accomplishment truly reflects the dedication that our staff have in supporting the students and adults we serve with dignity and compassion.”

Benedictine commends all its staff milestone awardees for their compassion, dedication, dependability and caring devotion for the children and adults they serve and for their commitment to Benedictine. These traits shine through in their daily interactions with the people they support and their families, as well as co-workers and staff at Benedictine.

Benedictine has over 350 employees who serve children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism at its Ridgely Campus and in its 22 group homes in Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel Counties,as well as at the Community Services and Training Center in Easton. Guided by its core values of compassionate caring, dignity of work and hospitality, Benedictine’s mission is to help each individual reach their greatest potential and highest level of independence.

About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit organization helping more than 200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine’s year-round educational program is one of only 26 nationwide to earn a two-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, in the community and those who live in Benedictine’s group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce and collaborates with the Talbot County Public Schools to provide services to their students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Benedictine, Education, local news

Wye River Upper School In-Person Open House Announced

January 5, 2023 by Wye River Upper School Leave a Comment

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Wye River Upper School will hold an in-person open house next Thursday, Jan. 12th,  2023 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Prospective families will learn about the depth of the academic, social and emotional impact Wye River Upper School has on high school students. Families will also be able to meet and speak with faculty and staff, parents and students. Registration is required: https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/januaryopenhouse

Wye River School, the brainchild of Chrissy Aull and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, opened its doors in September of 2002 when Aull struggled to find a high school for her son with learning differences. Twenty years and 900 graduates later, Wye River continues to provide the educational and social experiences for students to become successful and fulfilled in all walks of life. Last year, those paths included students who aspire to attend medical school, act on Broadway and to become certified as an underwater welder.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, Wye River is approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, contact admissions@wyeriverupperschool.org or call 443-262-8267.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Wye River Upper School

Adding More Trojan Time at KCHS

January 5, 2023 by Kent County Public Schools Leave a Comment

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While no one can actually add hours to the day, Kent County High School administrators got creative in making more time for students who need a little extra help.

This fall they launched “Trojan Time,” a dedicated period for intervention to help students who need it and provide enrichment opportunities for those who are on track and excelling.

The Debate Team meets in the Kent County High School media center Tuesday, Dec. 6 as part of Trojan Time.

“Basically, the idea is for intervention and enrichment,” said Principal Kris Hemstetter. “So we’re excited about being able to provide that time for students.”

The first Trojan Time period was held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving break. The school continued to schedule Trojan Time on the next two Tuesdays.

Schools collect a lot of data throughout the year on each student’s progress.

Trojan Time is just one example of how school staff has put that data to use: identifying students who need help and providing that support.

For other students, Trojan Time is an opportunity for additional enrichment activities.

That could mean a chance for a club meeting, practicing on the Debate Team, participating in another school group or joining in a special teacher-led activity.

On Dec. 6, for example, science teacher Kayln Stout took students outside to dye natural indigo and talk about archeology.

Science teacher Kayln Stout leads students through the process of dying natural indigo during Trojan Time on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

To make the extra hour on those Tuesdays, the school runs on the same schedule it uses for a 60-minute weather delay.

“The kids seem to enjoy it,” Hemstetter said of Trojan Time. “We did a lot of planning up front and we’re confident it is going to help our students.”

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, Kent County Public Schools, local news

Saints Peter & Paul School Brings Christmas Joy through Music

December 22, 2022 by Saints Peter & Paul Schools Leave a Comment

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Blessings overflowed as Saints Peter & Paul Elementary School students shared their musical talents and performed for their extended school families at Saints Peter & Paul Church on Thursday evening, December 15, 2022. As students sang traditional carols and a couple of newer favorites, their angelic voices reminded each attendee of the true meaning of Christmas. Students also performed instrumental selections. The students truly enjoyed sharing their spirit with the packed house as they sang each hymn, concluding with Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Saint Peter and Paul

Institute for Adult Learning to Hold Showcase of Classes on January 7, 2023

December 20, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Would you like to learn about typical and atypical changes to the anatomy of the brain as we age and how they impact behavior? Perhaps you would like to join a line dancing class or a mindful walking group. If you are interested in science and the environment, you can learn how to improve the lives of songbirds in our area, how mountains form, or hear about discoveries from the James Webb telescope. Or you can participate in discussions about current events or banned books.

The Institute for Adult Learning, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide learning experiences and social events which enrich the lives of the age 50+ community in the Mid-Shore area, will hold a Showcase of Classes for the spring semester on Saturday, January 7, at 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Kennard Cultural Center, located at 410 Little Kidwell Avenue in Centreville, Md. In the event of snow, the Showcase will be held on Saturday, January 14.

The Showcase will provide an overview of 45 courses to be offered during the fall semester, which runs from February 6 through May 19, including history and current events, brain and body health, local environment and science, literature, arts and crafts, and culinary arts. All classes are held during the day, Monday through Friday, and range from one to eight sessions.

The membership fee of $90 per person per semester entitles participants to sign up for an unlimited number of courses. Members are also invited to participate in monthly happy hours and various field trips throughout the semester.

Attendees may join the IAL and enroll in classes either at the Showcase or on the organization’s website after the event. Registration to attend the event is not required but is recommended by sending an email to info@instituteforadultlearning.org.

For more information about the IAL, visit the IAL website at www.instituteforadultlearning.org.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news

50th Anniversary Party Nets $50,000 for Echo Hill Outdoor School

December 18, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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The tally is in –Echo Hill Outdoor School raised more than $50,000 for student scholarships at its 50th anniversary celebration on October 15, 2022.  Held under a tent at Red Acres Farm in Worton, the event drew nearly 300 people and 26 leading business and individual sponsors.

“We are grateful to all who joined us as we celebrated 50 years of transformational outdoor education for students from schools all over the Mid-Atlantic region,” said Founding Head Peter Rice.  “We were touched by the outpouring of support and love for the school, and we thank everyone who participated.  Their contributions are helping to make an Echo Hill Outdoor School experience possible for students of all income levels and backgrounds, and we are very thankful to everyone who helped us mark this auspicious milestone.”

Founded in 1972 by a group of visionary friends who imagined and then invented a new way to teach school children about the outdoors, Echo Hill Outdoor School was one of the first of its kind in the world to offer a residential program for youngsters that would enrich traditional classroom science instruction through entirely outdoor lessons and learning.

“We have found that environmental awareness and concern do not correlate with privilege,” Richard Balaban, a member of the Board of Directors, added.  “In our curious 21st century world, all kids need and deserve our kind of education. The scholarship funds we raised at this event will enable worthy students, regardless of their ability to pay, to benefit from our extraordinary programs.”

Centered on innovative teaching methods and a custom curriculum many say provides a “magical” experience for students, since 1972, Echo Hill Outdoor School has inspired more than 250,000 children with programs such as Bay Studies, the Mystery Tour, and Aqualogy that change how youngsters experience and relate to the outdoors.

Classes are conducted on an extraordinary 240-acre waterfront campus combining pristine and varied Chesapeake Bay ecosystems that encompass bay, field, wetland, stream, woods, beach, river, a half mile of Bay waterfront, and nearby villages.

In addition, the school owns and operates a fleet of historic watercraft used for classes every day to establish the bridge between Chesapeake Bay ecology and stewardship and the history and culture of the waterman community.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news

Student Promoted in Civil Air Force

December 18, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Country School 8th grader Willem Grant ’23 has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol since 2021. His promotion today to Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSgt) was granted alongside the Wright Brothers Award, which is the first of 5 milestone awards given in the Cadet Program. It marks the completion of the first phase of the CAP Cadet Program and requires passing a comprehensive test on leadership, along with a physical fitness test and a drill performance test. In addition, Staff Sergeants may also become Flight Sergeants and supervise Flights anywhere from 8-20 cadets.

CAP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves as the civilian auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force. The Cadet Program is one of CAP’s three missions [the other two being aerospace education and emergency services (e.g. search and rescue)]. As a CAP cadet, you will participate in a year-round program where you fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape and push yourself to new limits.

The program transforms youth into dynamic citizens and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on four elements: leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. As you participate in these four elements, you advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers and scientists first explored their careers through CAP. The leadership skills, self-confidence and discipline you gain will prepare you to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself in life.

Filed Under: Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news

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