Direction, guidance, discipline. This is what the New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy (NOMMA) provides cadets within a structured educational environment.
NOMMA is a Type 2 charter high school serving students in the New Orleans Metropolitan area.
The school’s mission is to provide a high quality academic program and character education to students, grades 8 – 12, in order to enable them to fully achieve their personal potential, be productive citizens, and succeed in life.
NOMMA students are guided by a team of experienced teachers and retired military instructors through a focused, college-preparatory curriculum. This focus is reflected in NOMMA’s first General Order: “Be at the right place at the right time with the right materials.” The Academy also offers career and technical training in the form of four (4) Jump Start programs, Maritime, Cyber Engineering, Digital Media, and Business Management, to prepare cadets to enter high demand industry sectors upon graduation from high school.
All NOMMA students are cadets of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer (JROTC) Training Program. The JROTC instructors and civilian faculty provide mentoring support and academic coursework that help cadets gain mental and physical strength, preparing them not only for college but for futures as local and national leaders.
“Our goal is to instill in all our cadets, the value of citizenship, self-discipline, and a sense of accomplishment. We strive to motivate and prepare our cadets to succeed with their future education and in their chosen field of endeavor”, said NOMMA Commandant, Colonel Chris Schlafer, USMC (Ret).
“NOMMA has taught me valuable leadership and people skills that will help me in the future as I move on to higher education. I have embraced the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment instilled at NOMMA and constantly use them to build upon my success. Because of NOMMA, I have developed pride in myself and realize the impact that I can make in my community”, said NOMMA’s Battalion Commander, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Isaiah S. Bennett.
NOMMA’s Maritime Instructor Aristide Muganda explains that at NOMMA, the Maritime Studies program prepares students for employment in the maritime industry, and helps them appreciate the important role of the marine environment - especially in Louisiana. In addition to learning about high profile events such as oil spills and the resulting pollution that affects communities and tourism, students become aware of the crucial economic role of the shipping industry and other transportation sectors. Upon completion of their courses, students receive industry based certifications and dual-enrollment college credits valued by employers. NOMMA provides unique maritime related training venues for these high school students, including safety training (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers). NOMMA cadets also have the unique opportunity to participate in the Tall Ships program where they serve as trainee crew members on ship voyages, learn basic seamanship skills, team work, and develop their work ethic; the cadets can gain sea time certificates - also valued by employers - and exposure to the 'real world.' In doing so, NOMMA invests in a future maritime generation as it builds a pipeline to the maritime industry.
Cadet Ashlynn Henderson said, “As a senior who has attended NOMMA for the past four years, I can say that NOMMA has shaped my life in ways that improved my confidence and leadership skills. Throughout the entire time, I have been at NOMMA I have observed the faculty, and I can definitely say that the staff genuinely strive for cadets to want to do something positive with their lives. The time and effort have given me lasting memories and made my time at NOMMA an irreplaceable experience.
NOMMA Cadet Creed
“I am a Junior ROTC cadet. I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school, and the corps of cadets. I am loyal and patriotic. I am the future of the United States of America. I do not lie, cheat, or steal and will always be accountable for my actions and deeds. I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism. I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body. I will seek the mantle of leadership and stand prepared to uphold the Constitution and the American way of life. May God grant me the strength to always live by this creed.” (Source)
