PMA opens new gymnasium with stirring patriotic ceremony
As the Porterville Military Academy continues to develop its facilities, another of its eagerlyawaited projects is ready for use.
Friday morning, Porterville Unified School District’s Porterville Military Academy welcomed family members and city officials to join them for the grand opening ceremony of their gymnasium.
The reviewing party and distinguished guest list consisted of PMA Commandant of Cadets Captain Dave Archer, Assemblyman Devon Mathis, representatives from the offices of Congressman Kevin Mccarthy and State Senator Andy Vidak, PUSD Board President Pete Lara Jr., Superintendent Nate Nelson, PMA Principal Doug Ihmels and PMA instructor Command Sargeant Major Shawn Alvarado.
The Strathmore High School Band led by Nicholas Walters sat on the new stage included within the gym to entertain throughout the ceremony.
PMA cadets surprised the audience with a grand entrance, wearing their Class B uniforms for the first time. The cadets marched into the gym with their plain white t-shirts, baseball cap, black pants and all
black shoes.
As the cadets remained standing up in formation after the singing of the National Anthem, the emcee, a PMA student, said, “Although cadets aren’t preparing for battle, we are preparing for life, self-discipline and ability to function as a team and quickly accomplishing tasks given to us that soldiers need for success in the battle field. We use the military structure to mentor and also establish a sense of unity and belonging.”
The traditional military formation and inspections were demonstrated at the ceremony as the cadets were inspected by Nelson, Lara, and Mathis, who were escorted around the gym by PMA Cadet Johnny Navarrete, who is Battalion Commander.
“Today the kids really stepped up, and I think everybody was able to see what I get to see every day,” said Principal Ihmels. “This was really important for us for everyone to get to see that we want people in the community to be proud of the kids.”
Assemblyman Mathis was the first honorary guest speaker, who presented a certificate recognizing the gymnasium.
“Coming from the military, I understand what is like to line up in formation and be inspected,” said Mathis, who served in the Armynational Guard. “This academy and gymnasium has been years and years of work and dedication by all involved, and I’m very thankful and extremely proud to see all of the work that went into it.”
PUSD Board President Pete Lara Jr. also spoke at the ceremony and expressed his emotions towards PMA and its cadets.
“Remember that these cadets have been here for less than 100 days,” said Lara. “It’s amazing... The work and preparation years ago to make sure that the students here today and the thousands to follow have the opportunity like no other to grow, learn and prepare yourselves for your future. It is up to you to create a culture of identity — a face to this school.”
CSM Alvarado said one of the unique features of the gym is the stage.
“The stage has many uses like for assemblies, even for a drama club usage,” said Alvarado. “The stage even has a big entrance that is connected to an outdoor stage. It’s pretty neat.”
Navarrate, the cadet battalion commander, said he is most excited about the sports that will now be available at the gym.
“Maybe we can start getting basketball teams, which I’m very excited for,” said Navarrete.
Tristan Galvan, Acting Battalion Command Sargeant Major, said he is excited about the opening of the gym.
“We expect numerous clubs to take advantage of this facility,” said Galvan. “When it’s cold outside we can do exercises inside, and we will be able to use the stage for speeches and assemblies.”
The SHS Band recognized all veterans by playing the theme songs of all service branches, and vets in attendance stood as their respective service songs were played
“We are going to be using the gym as soon as they officially let us in here for after school sports, P.E. and so on,” said Ihmels, adding that next week the gym will go through a final inspection before being available for use. “From here we are going to keep on pushing. Obviously we are going to grow and have more kids participating in the things that we are doing here.”