News Article Release

Mids Mentor 5th Grade Class

April 27, 2012

By MC3 Danian Douglas

Several midshipmen took time out of their hectic academic schedule to write personalized letters to students of a fifth grade class in California April 22. The class “adopted” the U.S. Naval Academy to inspire the “future midshipmen” in both their academic and personal achievements.

The support from the brigade was overwhelming. Forty-three midshipmen came together in less than 24 hours to write 64 unique letters of inspiration and encouragement - each student receiving two letters.

Elementary school teacher Stephen Patton of David Weir Elementary in Fairfield, Calif., said that his school attended a conference in 2009 hosted by the “No Excuses University Network” and initiated the adopt-a-university initiative because research showed there was a much higher rate of college enrollment and success at the college level and a better overall impact on the students’ lives if students were introduced to college awareness and readiness in elementary grades.

“My class chose USNA and made a bulletin board outside of the classroom,” he said.

The class name on the doors was changed. They created college chants, wore clothing and used Naval Academy stationary.

“The whole point is to make them feel a special bond with the college,” said Patton.

Patton said he requested letters from the midshipmen to inspire the students with their upcoming standardized tests. Naval Academy faculty member Lt. Katherine Dozier arranged for the midshipmen to write personalized letters to the students.

“In support of this fifth grade class, I asked a group of midshipmen to write personalized letters to encourage each student to pursue a college education, whether here or at another university,” said Dozier.

“It’s good to have some positive outside influence to encourage you,” said Midshipman 2nd Class Skyler M. Hawkes from St. Charles, Mo., who wrote of the importance of finishing school and pursuing further education.

“I remember when my 8th grade class made care packages to send to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It felt good to help them, but I imagine that it benefitted them more, just like the students,” he said.

Midshipman 4th Class Emily A. Lamanna from Stevensville, Mich., shared her experiences in a letter to a boy and a girl.

“With the girl I wrote about my challenges in being a minority here at USNA which is predominantly male, and how I am able to stay competitive,” she said. “With the boy, I told him of the camaraderie between the entire brigade of midshipmen, especially with the males during extracurricular activities.”

“With today’s technology, we don’t often write personal letters, but a letter coming from someone who they don’t even know can have a pretty big influence on their academic performance and choices,” said Midshipman 2nd Class Evan Shawler, from Cullowhee, N.C.

Lamanna suggested that a live video conference via Skype or other smartphone application, where the fifth graders can actually see the midshipmen in class or around the yard doing activities and ask questions, could also have a big effect.

“It is clear that not only do these future naval officers realize that they are role models, but they are prepared to embrace that responsibility and use it to inspire the next generation,” said Dozier.