<p>A First Classman emailed me an article he is submitting to the Hear This!, I think he really sums up the KP experience-</p>
<p>Thanks for posting this. It is a great read and one I hope all the students who are considering which SA to attend look at. :)</p>
<p>I loved that article. Thanks a million for posting it.</p>
<p>wow, wow, wow</p>
<p>Thanks for the post!</p>
<p>Great article, thanks for the posting</p>
<p>I am the class agent for the 1951 Academy class. Many of our grand children are your age.</p>
<p>In 1951, 306 of us graduated in June and December. 128 have taken their last voyage. Only five are unknown. I have the email addresses of 106 classmates and frequently send out messages of general interest to all of them plus about 10 of our classmates widows. I sent out your article to all of them a few days ago with the comment: “The Academy is substantially different from our days and, I think, substantially more difficult.” Another classmate wrote: “I feel this is an outstanding perspective of KP.” And another: “Very enlightening. Thanks for forwarding.” This long one came from a very successful classmate: “Given the time difference(58+/- yrs) and considering the vast increase in the body of knowledge required to succeed in either the military or maritime industry today, I can well empathize with M/N Banning. There were times we (I) felt our class was on a roller coaster, albeit the Cyclone at Coney Island. Now, these same midshipmen are on a high tech rocket ship. We were taught to run 10,000 ton Liberty ships plodding along at 10 knots while they are running 50,000 ton container ships traveling at 25 knots. Our window of opportunity, borne of the war years was to serve in the merchant marine or military; theirs, driven by world wide maritime competition has opened up opportunities in a whole myriad of transportation modes both foreign and domestic all in addition to the military service opportunities other than MSC. I am always amazed when visiting the Academy and having served on the Board of Directors with the demanding curriculum and extracurricular activities the M/N face on a daily 7/7 basis. I’m not sure that I could have succeeded at today’s Kings Point. I am immensely proud of our school and its academic staff and especially the midshipmen. I have never spoken to one that did not feel as I do and more so following several years after graduation. Acta Non Verba.” And yet another: “Wow,
Thanks for sending that awesome message.” Still more: “This brought back briefly some pleasant memories…Thanks.” And this from a classmate and successful business man in Athens: “THANKS VERY MUCH.VERY WELL WRITTEN AND BRINGS BACK “MEMORIES”.I AM GLAD WE MADE IT.”
I expect there will be more, some of our guys do not check there email every day. I can honestly look back and say that going to Kings Point was the smartest thing I ever did. And I believe that someday you will be saying the same.</p>
<p>gfred: I think the best part of the story is the number of people out of your class who are so deft with email :)</p>
<p>I still get goosebumps thinking that even graduates from 50 years prior to my class care enough about the school to read an article written by a current midshipman and respond the way they do.</p>
<p>Thank you gfred…it makes me even prouder of my son and all the Mids at KP to hear the support and comments from the alumni.</p>
<p>gfred, your comments mean so very much. Thanks for taking the time to post & share with all. I’d heard that the 50 year alumni to the class of 09 would be at graduation handing out diplomas? Is this still going to take place? If so… KODAK MOMENT!!! </p>
<p>Nuts! I’m sorry to say that I’ve gone blank. Do they call them the Legacy class? Is that the proper term?</p>
<p>gfred51
Thank you for sharing their comments. gave me a wonderful proud moment being a parent of current student.</p>
<p>Here’s something “positive”…recognize the class of 2012!!!</p>
<p>To Jamzmom,
Sorry I haven’t heard anything about this. I think it would be kind of neat if the kids of the class of 1959 passed out the diplomas. We’re looking forward to our 60th in 2011 and also are starting to plan a cruise right after. About 30 of us took a cruise to Bermuda immediately following our 55th in 2006.</p>
<p>gfred, my Mid says those guys are a hoot. The sea stories shared are priceless. Will post back an actual response from my questions if my kid will stop for a nano second to answer. Could be the day before graduation though. 
</p>
<p>That trip to Bermuda had to be unbelievable! Bet the photo album is huge. </p>
<p>Snappler says, RECOGNIZE 2012!!!</p>
<p>Again snappler you make me laugh.</p>
<p>gfred:</p>
<p>Thank you and your fellow alumni for taking the time to share your wisdom with the students at the academy. I assure you each time my son has the opportunity to talk to any of you guys he is thrilled. It is one of the first things on his agenda to talk about when he calls home.</p>
<p>My dad graduated K.P. in 1959 and I know he’d be honored to participate in the graduation of 2009. That would be awesome!</p>
<p>Found a few snippets to share on the Legacy Classes & their involvement. Gotta love it.</p>
<p>[Kings</a> Point Alumni On-line Community News](<a href=“http://www.usmmaaa.com/cgi-any/newspages.dll/pages?sitename=USMMA&record=2461&htmlfile=newspages3_photo.htm]Kings”>http://www.usmmaaa.com/cgi-any/newspages.dll/pages?sitename=USMMA&record=2461&htmlfile=newspages3_photo.htm) class of 09</p>
<p>[Kings</a> Point Alumni On-line Community News](<a href=“http://www.usmmaaa.com/cgi-any/newspages.dll/pages?sitename=USMMA&record=2585&htmlfile=newspages3_photo.htm]Kings”>http://www.usmmaaa.com/cgi-any/newspages.dll/pages?sitename=USMMA&record=2585&htmlfile=newspages3_photo.htm) class of 08</p>
<p>Snappler says, RECOGNIZE 2012!!! :D</p>