A new tradition
Military Academy officially opens for PUSD
Joining revered school colors like Granite Hills’ Cardinal and Gray, Monache’s Blue and Gold, and Porterville’s Orange and Green is a new set of school colors that will surely grow to be as revered in the future by Porterville students — the Gold, Navy and Burgundy of Porterville Unified School District’s new Porterville Military Academy.
Wednesday morning community members, City Council members, state representatives, PUSD school board members and staff gathered at the PMA cafeteria for its inaugural celebration one day before the school began.
“This has been long awaited,” said Martha Flores, Porterville City Council member as she took a seat in the front row. “As a former school district employee, it’s going to be a great value to all the students with its leadership growth, which is the future vision of our community.”
The audience stood up as the cadets escorted
the colors to the front, then the Strathmore High School Band played the national anthem right before the celebration started.
The ceremony opened with the PMA Principal Doug Ihmels, who shared his excitement about the academy he is now in charge of.
“PMA will have a huge impact in our community. One of our pillars is community service, and people are going to see our cadets out in the community a lot at different community service projects, which is part of our curriculum,” said Ihmels. “Our mission is to create leaders for the 21st century and agents of change.”
Ihmels hopes once the cadets graduate they will go out and do great things for the community.
Superintendent Nate Nelson welcomed people to the event and is also excited for the addition of the 14th Pathway to PUSD.
“This school will well
prepare the next generations to come,” said Nelson. “It's not just about military principles, it's about leadership, and we are really looking forward to graduating students from here and seeing them give back to the community and be prepared to do whatever they want to do.”
Pete Lara Jr., PUSD governing board president, spoke about the long journey of the planning process to get PMA to where it is now.
“Years ago I envisioned Porterville and what an academy like this could do here,” said Lara, remembering a time when he and other board members visited the Oakland Military Academy for inspiration.
The cadets' objectives at PMA are developing leadership, citizenship and patriotism, promoting academic excellence, encouraging personal health and wellness and teaching basic military subjects.
Not only will the cadets have the opportunity to help the community, they will also have the opportunity to participate in state-wide cadet competitions.
“From the bottom of my new heart, thank you PUSD governing board of trustees and administration for making PMA a reality,” said Porterville Mayor Milt Stowe, drawing laughs from the audience with the reference to his recent heart transplant. “PMA is a new tradition to honor our armed forces in the community.”
Cole Karr, staff representative for Congressman Kevin Maccarthy, presented a certificate at the occasion, as well as a flag flown across the country from Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Congressmen.
Rogelio Caudillo, staff representative for State Senator Andy Vidak, presented a certificate of recognition from the State Senate, and Rachel Ray, staff representative for Assemblyman Devon Mathis, presented a resolution to PMA in recognition of the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
“Thank you all. If you haven't noticed we have a lot of wall space,” said Ihmels as he received all the certificates.
Cadet Tristan Galvan started his first day at PMA Thursday morning, and he is ready to take on his leadership role at the school.
“Our first month will be introduction to the school and expectations as a cadet,” said Galvan, dressed in an official PMA uniform. “After the preparation stage, we will then begin. I'm excited for the school year.”
Since PMA is still developing, there will only be grades seventh, eight and ninth this school year, and the school will expand to accommodate grades 6-12 over time.
The ceremony concluded with a few words from Ihmels, who then led the PUSD board members to the location of the red ribbon that was cut by former PUSD board member Hayley Buettner, who came from out of state for the ceremony.
“We are looking forward to many years of student leaders graduating from this institution with the same pride and patriotism,” said Nelson thanking everyone in the room for making PMA possible.