THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 12, 1996 TAG: 9606110353
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALVA CHOPP, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 83 lines
Midshipman Sarah Cline, a year at the Naval Academy behind her, looked out over the school's newest students from Hampton Roads and told them what to expect on their first day in Annapolis.
``After you report in, you get your uniforms - lots of uniforms,'' the 18-year-old third-classman said. ``You say goodbye to your parents, say your oath.
``And start getting yelled at.''
The roomful of Academy alumni gathered to recognize members of the incoming Class of 2000 nodded in agreement. Chuckles spread through the banquet hall.
The Plebe Recognition Dinner, held May 29 and sponsored by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, is an annual ritual filled with reminisces about life at the academy and aimed at honoring the men and women who will chart the Navy college's future.
Fifteen Hampton Roads high school graduates, accompanied by their parents, attended the dinner at the Oceana Naval Air Station Officer's Club.
``We had more kids accepted from this area than last year,'' Capt. Doug Sameit, the academy's area coordinator and liaison, said. ``This was a bang-up year for qualifications.''
After dinner, the new students had a chance to ask questions of a panel of midshipmen. Most asked about the first week they arrive in July.
The advice: ``Don't bring anything. . . you'll be issued what you need. . . prepare yourself for the haircut.''
And, most important: ``Memorize how to get back to your room.''
They told parents not to expect a phone call for the first couple of weeks and suggested sending lots of care packages to their sons and daughters.
Although they carry high academic, athletic and civic service achievements, these students, like prospective midshipmen before them, underwent extensive review by academy-trained information officers in the area.
Designated ``Blue and Gold Officers,'' these men and women review applications, interview candidates and make recommendations to the admissions board. There are 22 officers assigned to the high schools in the area, Sameit said.
While not officially discussed, the academy's recent discipline and leadership problems came up - among them, the discovery of a car-theft ring, allegations of child abuse and assault and drug trafficking.
Most felt the incidents were given exaggerated publicity because they occurred at a military academy.
``I don't think the problems are indicative of the brigade as a whole,'' Midshipman Cline said. ``Other schools have problem students, but they don't get the notice like we do.''
She said the problems of the past year have not changed her plans. ``Our traditions are still there,'' she said. `` I wouldn't give it up to go anywhere else.''
Midshipman Paul Sameit, the son of Doug Sameit, is entering his final year at the academy. He said he was ``heartsick'' when he heard about his former classmates' indictments, but he has seen a positive change in the discipline standards as a result.
``For myself it was a very depressing time,'' he said, ``but now I know it's for the better. It's given us a time to reflect on where you stand on issues and what you're doing to get to your goals.
``It's a time for us all to look in the mirror and ask, `Am I doing the right things?' ''
The criticism has been tough on the academy, Sameit said, but he sees his classmates taking more responsibility as a result of this difficult period.
``There's no doubt in my mind that things will get better,'' he said. ILLUSTRATION: L. TODD SPENCER photos
Jennifer A. Frederickson is one of 15 students from Hampton Roads
who will join the Naval Academy's class of 2000. The new students
underwent a rigorous application process.
Joseph M. Pasco, who will graduate in 1999, answers questions from
new students. He and other midshipmen warned the soon-to-be plebes
about uniforms and haircuts.
Midshipman Sarah Cline, seated at right, was among Naval Academy
students who helped welcome new students from Hampton Roads recently
during the Plebe Recognition Dinner at the Oceana Naval Air Station
Officer's Club. Standing beside her is Billy Edwards of Virginia
Beach, who will enter the school in July. by CNB