Community Service Statement

As we enter the new millennium, one of the challenges we continue to face is helping our children understand the importance of education and helping them realize that lofty goals are attainable. With an increasing number of collegiate athletes dropping out of school early to pursue lucrative contracts in the professional arena, we are left with the question "who are our children's role models?"

At the United States Naval Academy, the Midshipmen have to balance the rigorous requirements of education, athletics and basic military training. With Navy athletes competing at the Division I level, the demands of their sports heighten the importance of maintaining solid grades. Navy is one of the few Division I schools in which all athletes must meet stringent academic expectations. This is what makes our Midshipmen such tremendous role models, successfully maintaining that balance between athletics and academics at a highly competitive level.

The Naval Academy Athletic Association works with local schools to expose youth to the Midshipmen, with the hope of providing a lasting impression. Typically, in assembly style, the Midshipmen speak to the students about life at the Academy, the experiences of competing in Division I athletics and what they've learned while at Navy, in addition to answering the multitude of questions that the students have.

If you are interested in this program, please call Sports Information Director Scott Strasemeier at 410-293-8775 for more information.