Mids Recognized at Annapolis Town Hall Meeting

Several midshipmen from the Midshipman Action Group were recently recognized for their work with local school-age students at a Town Hall Meeting with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

"What an amazing opportunity to not only hear Secretary Arne Duncan speak and explain the state of the education system but to also listen to the parents of children in the Anne Arundel school system and the endeavors they face every day," said MIDN 3/C Kevin  McGinty. "Being able to hear the frustrations of parents and the insight of Secretary Duncan only filled my passion for education even more."

MAG midshipmen with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

More than 200 midshipmen participate in the Mids for Kids program each year, volunteering their free time throughout the week to visit local elementary and middle schools. The mids read to kindergarten classes, attend physical education classes with students and do one-on-one tutoring in a variety of subjects.

"Mids for Kids is also an opportunity for midshipmen to be a solid role model and mentor for kids that are at such a crucial age in their development," said McGinty. "I've seen kids get overlooked because they are deemed a lost cause, so I just try and make whatever difference I can because I know first hand what that can feel like."

The midshipmen recognized at the Town Hall Meeting work with students at Bates Middle School in Annapolis.

"Volunteering in a community that fully embodies the sentiment that it takes a whole village to raise a child is exceptionally rewarding," said MIDN 2/C Gavin Fuller. "It is truly an honor to be involved with the Mids for Kids program."

Listening to the parents and Secretary Duncan at the Town Hall meeting gave the midshipmen an idea of how important their work is to the community.

"I was amazed by how much community involvement can affect a school, whether it be a parent who is involved in their children's education, or a midshipman helping out in the classroom. I had no idea that Mids for Kids had such a large effect on schools, and it gives me a feeling of fulfillment knowing that I am a part of this program that is working for something much larger than I had anticipated," said MIDN 3/C Drew Brenn.