Sarasota Military Academy (SMA), a local public charter school, recently relaunched the Academy’s Ducks Unlimited school chapter under new supervision and leadership to benefit cadets interested in conservation efforts.
Founded two years ago at Sarasota Military Academy, the revamped Ducks Unlimited club is facilitated by SMA Command Sergeant Major (CSM) (Retired) Mike Collis and faculty advisors. Currently, the SMA Ducks Unlimited chapter includes more than 65 cadets.
“Cadets involved in SMA’s Ducks Unlimited chapter get to experience a deeper appreciation for our natural resources, wildlife and conditions that affect them, and how their efforts can have a positive impact on those conditions,” said SMA-CSM (Retired) Mike Collis, SMA Ducks Unlimited chapter advisor. “We work with the state and national Ducks Unlimited organizations and we are also supported by members of the Sarasota Sportsmen’s Association (SSA) through the donation of countless opportunities, training, experiences, trips and financial support.”
Cadets involved in the SMA Ducks Unlimited club are responsible for conducting and hosting meetings, becoming involved in various aspects of conservation efforts, tracking club activities and planning and coordinating four main areas of the club including the duck box construction crew, wetland conservation, wildlife management and wildlife migration and mapping.
Members are given the opportunity to work with the SSA to earn hunter safety certifications and participate in hunting and fishing trips.
“At Sarasota Military Academy, we are incredibly supportive of not only our cadets’ academic achievements and progress, but we also look for new opportunities to cultivate interest in a variety of topics and extra-curricular activities,” said SMA-MAJ C.J. Bannister, Sarasota Military Academy Foundation, Inc. Chief Development Officer. “Through our partnerships with local conservation organizations and through the guidance of our staff, SMA cadets are given the chance to explore a love and appreciation for nature, wildlife and their environmental impact. We are proud to have Ducks Unlimited as one of our many activities that cadets can choose to participate in, and we are excited to see how they continue to positively impact our community.”
About Sarasota Military Academy
Founded in 2002, Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) is a public charter school and college preparatory academy with two campuses located in Sarasota, Florida. Combining extraordinary academics with the highest military principles of camaraderie, focus, leadership, integrity, compassion, poise, honor and respect, SMA’s mission is to graduate young men and women who will confidently define their personal and unique goals for success in a multi-cultural and globalized world. Sarasota Military Academy High School is located at 801 N. Orange Avenue and Sarasota Military Academy Prep Middle School, is located at 3101 Bethel Lane. To learn more about SMA, visit http://www.sarasotamilitaryacademy.org/.
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