Army Navy Alumni Weekend Recap 2019
L-R: Ashton Raymer ’20, Frank Cona, Dr. Louis Cona ’73N, Andy Aldi ’65N and Kerri Aldi
The Army-Navy Alumni Weekend on December 13-14, 2019, was another special time with alumni and friends of Farragut coming together to connect with each other and celebrate our alma mater in a historic setting.
The weekend started with an alumni reception at the Union League Club of Philadelphia. The reception was a success, with more than 80 attendees, including many younger alumni.
L-R: Headmaster Robert J. Fine, Jr., Leonard Bonacci ’89N, Director of Alumni Engagement Victoria Raymer, and Joseph Zolfo ’86N
At the reception, Farragut Board Chairman Christian Wagner ’82N inspired the Farragut family to continue supporting the academy with both time and resources. He also recognized this year’s record-breaking enrollment of more than 500 students, and Headmaster Robert J. Fine, Jr. for his 30 years of leadership to Farragut.
L-R: Headmaster Robert J. Fine, Jr., and Board Chair Christian Wagner ‘82N
Trevor Bennati ’17, who attended Farragut since pre-school and today is a midshipman at the Naval Academy, shared his reflections on his 14 years at Farragut. “I had some of the most amazing leadership experiences at Farragut,” said Bennati, currently a junior and a Company First Sergeant. He said he’s aiming for promotion his senior year to become a Company Commander or Executive Officer. “It challenged me academically, morally, and I would not be where I am today without Farragut,” he said. “It has allowed me to excel at the US Naval Academy and be at the top of my class.”
Along with Bennati, other recent and current Farragut cadets networked and mingled with notable alumni.
L-R: Kyndal Olander ’17, Mitchell Lewis ’21, Ansley Fine ’21, Ashton Raymer ’20, Trevor Bennati ’17, and Zack Northcutt ’09
L-R: Al Bennati, Trevor Bennati ’17, and Headmaster Robert J. Fine, Jr.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, it was time for the 120th matchup between the Midshipmen and Black Nights at Lincoln Financial Field. Despite the overcast skies and misting rain, the Farragut community came together to share in the pride of being an American.
Another current midshipman in the crowd was Evan Schilfstein ’19, whose parents Brett Schlifstein and Cammie Fine were at the game — along with Ansley Fine ’21.
L-R: Ansley Fine ’21, Cammie Fine, and Brett Schlifstein
L-R: Trevor Bennati ’17, Evan Schlifstein ’19 and Ashton Raymer ’20
Farragut alumna Jazmine Alderman ’19 was there with her West Point Prep classmates and she stopped by to visit the Farragut group. One of Farragut’s most successful athletes, she is on West Point’s track team this fall.
L-R: Jazmine Alderman ’19 and Christian Wagner ’82N
L-R: Evan Schlifstein ’19 and Jazmine Alderman ’19
The rivalry between the two teams is something to experience, but off the field you witness the mutual respect for duty, loyalty, and commitment these teams have for our country and protecting our freedom.
Navy won the game with a final score of 31-7 over Army. It was an exceptional weekend and we look forward to America’s favorite game in 2020 scheduled for Dec.12. We hope to see you there.
In the words of Granvil Tracy ’73: “There’s something special when the academies play each other that’s not like any other game. It’s more than a game. It’s an experience.”
L-R: Kim Hooper, Granvil Tracy ’73, Joey Kelly and Paul Harden
