The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Robert Papp, Visits BDJMS!!!

Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School Thursday,
April 4, 2013  

The special agents were in place. The aide over-nighted the presentation. The motorcade arrived. The “Welcome” posters were hanging. A certain extremely enthusiastic science teacher changed out of her running shoes.  

Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School had the honor of welcoming the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Robert Papp, to their school on Thursday. Students geared up for his visit by preparing rigorous questions, as strongly encouraged by BDJMS tutor Nelly Rodriguez. Classes came together to develop questions that would surely have Admiral Papp “deep in thought,” as one student hoped.  

Ju’Leah Gills asked the Commandant, “What was the biggest challenge in your career?” Admiral Papp responded with several answers one of which involved having his wife travel to Alaska, far away from family and friends, as he embarked on his Coast Guard career. Jason Shephard inquired as to whether or not current-day Coast Guard officials continued to use “constellations to navigate” through the water. Admiral Papp explained that yes, constellations are still used but as the development of stronger STEM programs started, these navigation techniques now rely heavily on computerized constellations and tools. Kierra Holt exclaimed that she wanted to become an officer some day.  

Admiral Papp’s presentation served as a part of a series of seminars BDJMS students have been engaged in for some time now. Students participate in activities with admirals, engineers, and other leaders from United States Navy and Coast Guard Academy; naturopathic physicians; veterinary pathologists; nurses; and, authors who encourage healthy plant-based eating choices.  

Admiral Papp’s visit came at the perfect time as students began studying constellations’ implications in sea navigation. He spoke about two men critical to the Coast Guard’s life-saving strategies: Etheridge and Meekins. Both men served as some of the first African-American seamen in the Coast Guard, but more importantly, as Admiral Papp recognized them, as some of the strongest and most admirable seamen in the Coast Guard. Today a rescue ship bears the name of Etheridge. Students were not only enthralled by his storytelling skills; they were taken aback at Meekins’ and Etheridge’s courage and commitment even in the face of extreme adversity (recent history of slavery, civil rights).  

The Commandant was smiling and welcoming at the end of the day as he remained with students to discuss whatever was on the student’s minds. Many stayed to munch on fruit and crackers as Admiral Papp’s wife, special agents, aides, and other staff continued to mingle with BDJMS staff and friends even after the end-of-day bell rang. Michelle Combs, Michelle Mokrzewski, Tim Enos, Kristin Iaccarino, Amy Smith, Kristea Coppola, Steve Bakoulis, Sandra Silva, and Jack Cochran all served to welcome, organize, and encourage students to participate in the seminar, and each student clearly benefited by showing pride in having such a special guest come to visit.  

Janeese Watson (so-named BDJMS “Grandma Watson”) of Ledgelight Health District, BDJMS Principal Alison Ryan, Officer Anthony Nolan, Dr. Nick Fischer (Superintendent of New London Public Schools), and New London Mayor Finizio were among the attendees. Lieutenant Commander “Zeke,” several committed cadets, and other BDJMS staff attended the event as well.  

Admiral Papp is friends with Retired Admiral Tony Watson, the first African-American submarine admiral and BDJMS presenter/supporter, and the two discussed Freedom Schooner La Amistad and her current financial crisis. The admirals then reflected on the welcomed and somewhat emotional story of Meekins and Etheridge, which Admiral Watson and Ms. Watson attended back in February for the Black Engineer of the Year Awards in Washington, D.C. this year. Admiral Papp so graciously came from Washington, D.C to be with BDJMS students—the most dynamic, upward-bound group of students on the map.  

This was a successful event because of the support and encouragement of BDJMS students, staff, and friends.

Information for this article was provided to me from our own Erica Watson, who's commitment to our school is second to none.