The Naval Academy hosted its annual Summer Seminar June 4-23. Approximately 2,250 high school students from all over the nation attended.
Each session of the seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience for students who have completed their junior year in high school. It teaches participants about life at the Naval Academy, academics, athletics, and professional training which play important roles in developing nation's leaders.
Students also receive an overview of Navy and Marine Corps service options.
“Summer Seminar provides an opportunity for rising high school seniors to explore the possibilities of attending USNA,” said Lt. Leonard Green, Summer Seminar officer in charge. “It allows them to experience everyday life for midshipmen, along with the physical and mental rigors that come with an appointment to USNA.”
During the six-day session, students become a part of the academy. They live in Bancroft Hall, eat in the dining hall, participate in academic and leadership workshops, and experience a variety of other activities.
“Participants are given the opportunity to start their mornings with physical training similar to that of Plebe Summer,” said Green. “They also attend various academic workshops sampling all of the academic majors offered at USNA.”
According to Green, the students travel to Arlington, Va., to witness military precision at its finest, as they watch the Marine Corp Silent Drill Team for the Iwo Jima Memorial Sunset Parade.
Summer Seminar ends with an abbreviated version of the plebes' Sea Trials, where all students are pushed to their physical and mental limit with seven hours of physical training and team building exercises.
Students have the opportunity to see what the academy has to offer through its academic, athletic, extracurricular and leadership training programs.
“By the end of the seminar, participants are able to determine if USNA and a military lifestyle in general are something they want to explore further,” Green added. “It also exposes them to the opportunities that can arise with military service.”
Summer Seminar is also an opportunity for midshipmen to develop their leadership skills.
“Third class midshipmen are provided with their first true leadership experience,” said Green. “They are placed in charge of a Summer Seminar squad, which consist of approximately seven to nine students. First class midshipmen are given the opportunity to hone their leadership skills as they navigate the complexities of coordinating all Summer Seminar events and details,” Green explained.
It also provides an excellent opportunity for third class midshipmen to gain valuable leadership experience weeks after completing plebe year, as they serve as squad leaders for Summer Seminar, Green explained.
“This is my first experience with the program,” said Midshipman 1st Class Andrew Sharp. “I have learned how to speak in front of nearly 1,000 people several times, the importance to cultivate the right culture in an organization, and the value of rapid communication through the chain of command.”
“This year, Summer Seminar has been outstanding. The midshipman leadership has been second to none, and all 2,256 students have been extremely motivated,” said Green. “The class of 2016 is looking good.”
