News Archive

April 12, 2010
It is exciting to be able to say we have our first cadet going to West Point. Graduating from the class of 2010, Jake Bushart will be our first to attend. He was sent a Letter of Assurance saying a spot was reserved for him in the class of 2014 pending the nomination of a Senator or Congressman. With exceptional test scores and a great physical fitness test score, Jake accepted.
He learned more and more about West Point during Summerlin Academy’s Cadet Basic Training, where he had to show a movie to incoming cadets in his JUMS/S-1 class. Faculty members influenced him significantly in his decision.
For school after high school, Jake has decided to major in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering while minoring possibly in Chinese, Japanese, and/or Arabic. After graduation, he plans to serve as an Engineer in the U.S. Army. When he sees himself fulfilling his duties in the Army, he will retire and move on to aerospace research and engineering.

Service Learning Project For Cadets

January 29, 2010
A group of 24 cadets accompanied by 6 chaperones traveled to the Give Kids The World Resort in Kissimmee, FL to volunteer their time. At this resort, terminally and chronically ill children and their families are treated to their own personal villas, food, and fun while partaking in theme parks. The cadets interacted with these children and their families while helping the establishment carry out its everyday undertakings. From serving food to dressing as princesses, these students helped put smiles on the kids’ faces. For more information about this organization visit their webpage.

Senator Bill Nelson Visits Summerlin Academy

August 31, 2009

US Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) taught a history lesson to Summerlin Academy cadets on Monday. Senator Nelson on a tour through Central Florida, stopped in Polk County to recognize the Polk School District for receiving a US History Grant of $996,000.00 dollars. Cadet Major Emily Thraen escorted Senator Nelson on a walking tour of the Summerlin Facility. Cadet LTC Daniela Fagnilli presented a cadet briefing introducing Summerlin Academy to Senator Nelson and District officials along with members of the press. Senator Nelson, a former US Army Captain, engaged Cadet Sergeant Brett Garber in a conversation about marksmanship and questions about the Summerlin rifle range. Cadets involved with the Judo program demonstrated live judo match for our distinguished guest. When asked by the press Senator Nelson said “the school is impressive, very impressive.” It was honor to have such a high ranking member of the US Senate to visit Summerlin Academy.

Summerlin Cadets Help to Make Dreams Come True

Twenty-five cadets and 4 chaperones helped kids suffering from terminal illnesses at the Give Kids World Resort in Kissimmee. The cadets help to facilitate the evening events for the kids and their families. Families with kids with critical illnesses are flown in from around the world and given a week’s all expenses paid vacation along with access to all of the local attractions. The charity operates with support from hundreds from corporate businesses and volunteers like the Cadets of Summerlin Academy. To learn more about give kids the world logon to www.gktw.org

Summerlin Academy Phase II finally completed

Summerlin Academy Phase II was completed and handed over to our administration. Phase II additions include multi-purpose room and the indoor rifle range. The aerial photo shows Phase I and Phase II together as the almost complete campus. Phase III which includes the last 7 classrooms and the Obstacle Course and Rappel Tower is due to get started in February for the next 2009-2010 school year. Phase IV is currently under development which hopes to add the Dining Facility to the already magnificent campus.

Summerlin Cadets brief Officers and NCOs of the National Guard Operations Center in Washington, DC.

A selected group of Summerlin Juniors & Seniors had the rare opportunity to conduct a joint briefing with members of the National Guard Operations Center in Washington DC. The National Guard liaison COL John Story a former Bartow High School JROTC cadet helped coordinate the visit. Summerlin Cadets started the briefing by introducing themselves in critical foreign languages that they are studying ranging from Chinese, Arabic, and German. The trip also included visits to North Georgia Military College, Virginia Military Institute, University of Maryland, United States Naval Academy, and the Citadel.