Classroom Spotlight: Sarasota Military Academy

More than 800 Sarasota Military Academy students will march in the Veterans Day parade Thursday, Nov. 11, and everyone on campus is busy preparing for what will be their biggest event of the year.

The Sarasota Observer caught up with a few students while they were fine-tuning their marches and flag-handling skills to find out how preparations were going and what this special holiday means to them.

Taylor Hancher
Senior

How are you preparing for the Veterans Day parade?
"I'm helping the freshman practice marching. We're working on their cadences, but the hardest part to master is usually the arm swing. People tend to overthink it, but it's really just about walking with a purpose."

What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Veterans Day is a day to remember everyone who has served our country, whether or not they've died in service. I'm very proud of what we do here and to be a part of this school.

Mariah Chacon
Senior

How are you preparing for the Veterans Day parade?
"I'm leading the color guard, which will be out in front leading the rest of the students. Right now we're working on learning the mechanics of handling the flags and rifles."

What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"Veterans Day is a way to honor those who are fighting or have fought for our country."

Kaisen Mitchell
Sophmore

How are preparations going so far?
"I just started the color guard today, but so far its great! I like experiencing new things."

What is your role in the color guard?
"I'm the commander, so I have to make sure everyone is in step."

What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"It's about honoring those who have lost their lives so that I can wear this uniform."
 
Contact Maria Amodio at [email protected].