Story Category: Local Schools »

For the first time ever, the St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) have proclaimed April as the “Month of the Military Child.”  Patuxent River Naval Air Station Commanding Officer Capt. Ted Mills and the local awardees for Military Child of the Year honors were on hand at the school board’s April 10 meeting to accept recognition.

School Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano noted that 5,367 of the school systems more than 17,000 students are military connected.  He said that ranks the county in the Top 25 of all school in the country.

The resolution recognizing the month states: “Military children and youth continue to make momentous contributions to family, schools, communities, the Nation, St. Mary’s County and….these children are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that they are valued and supported and recognized that military-connected serve to.”

On hand were finalist for Military Child of the Year, Leonardtown High School student GiVana Penserga and semi-finalist Park Hall Elementary School third grader Haley Fuentes. The two students appeared with their families and principals.

Capt. Mills said of the two students, “I am hoping that one of these students takes my job one day.” He noted that while both students endured separations and transfers, they also did so with pride in what their parents had accomplished for their country.

Dawn Simpson, the base’s school liaison officer, was also on hand with Capt. Mills. She said of the active, ongoing relationship between the base and the school system, “We do have an extraordinary partnership.”

In honor of military children, students were encouraged to wear purple on Friday April 13. Purple is the official color of the nationwide, month-long celebration that was started by former Secretary of Defense, the late Caspar Weinberger.