CAPT Orie T. Banks, the Dean of Students at the southern campus from 1953-1987, oversees cadets at a school dance.
During his 34 years of service, CAPT Banks had a profound impact on many cadets. Alumni remember his firm but wise teachings and have shared over the years the positive influence he had on their lives. Read the thoughtful reflection about “What a Boy Learns At Farragut” written by CAPT Banks.
CAPT Geno Paluso, USN (Ret) ’85N has announced his retirement from the position of Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. CAPT Paluso will complete the academic year through June 2021.
Juan R. Torruella ’49N, Farragut alumnus and a groundbreaking Hispanic federal judge in New England who championed the rights of his fellow Puerto Ricans, died on Monday, October 26, 2020, in San Juan. He was 87.
Allison Kowalczyk ’14
Allison Kowalczyk ’14 has been studying law at Syracuse University College of Law. She was the first recipient of the Maj. Megan McClung ’91N Memorial Fund while attending Farragut and hopes to give back.
Charlie Duke ‘53S, our very own Apollo astronaut, moonwalker, and retired U.S. Air Force Brig. General was honored as the 2020 Texan of the Year during the Texas Legislative Conference on September 3, 2020.
Fred Nelson ’59S (left) and Stephen Hice ’60S (non-grad) reconnect after 62 years.
Stephen Hice attended Admiral Farragut Academy’s St. Petersburg campus from 1956-1958. After 62 years and what seemed like an entire lifetime, Stephen contacted Victoria Raymer in Farragut’s alumni office in order to reconnect with his former roommate, Fred Nelson ‘59S. They have had several conversations since then, reminiscing about a time that left a great impression on both of their lives. Stephen shared the following letter to Fred that is a testament to the impact Farragut had on their lives.
President and CEO Alan Levine ’85S has been with Ballad Health for over two years but has over 25 years of hospital operations experience. Ballad Health represents 21 hospitals and over 3,000 physicians and providers in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
In 2015, Melissa Diaz Salas ’20 moved from Peru and started her five-year Upper School journey at Farragut. Although she had to learn a new culture and did not know much English, Diaz thrived and became the first female in her Peruvian family to attend college.
Ethan Lipsky ‘18 and Michael “Mike” Harris ‘76N
On June 27, 2020, Ethan Lipsky ‘18 and Michael “Mike” Harris ‘76N met up at the U.S. Naval Station in Rota, Spain, to celebrate their “Farragut Brotherhood.” This was the first time they had met. Harris and Lipsky’s dad, David ‘75N, were Farragut teammates on the BlueJacket football and track teams.
Skip Thaeler ’66S and wife Kim
After Homecoming 2019, Farragut alumnus Skip Thaeler ‘66S wrote this poem about brotherhood and why alumni come back to Farragut year after year.
