Spiritual and Character Development

As one of the Academy's four pillars, the spiritual and character development program is to foster personal growth and a sense of community on campus. The Academy’s historical Judeo-Christian foundation reinforces universal values. Cadets have the opportunity to explore their spiritual growth, practice their faith traditions and serve their community on a regular basis. It is through this pillar that all cadets are encouraged to explore issues of faith and belief while being immersed in a leadership culture that sculpts and refines their character. To aid this process, the Academy employs two full-time chaplains: Father Charles Henery and Rev. Paul Jefferies.

The Spirituality Component

"If your religion does not make you a better man, it is a rotten religion." -- Oswald Chambers

Spirituality exerts a powerful influence over the formation of values and over our concept of ‘self,' two areas that are critical to personal growth. Therefore, to help cadets access and develop their spiritual lives, SJNMA is committed to:

• Modeling and communicating the truths of the Christian faith on which the Academy was founded
• Respecting the diversity of faith backgrounds among the cadets and meeting their needs to the best of our ability (e.g., providing transportation to the local Mosque or Synagogue)
• Fostering spiritual growth and development through mandatory weekly worship services and optional spiritual life groups
• Providing access to spiritual growth resources: books, Bibles, daily readers, etc.
• Creating "entry points" for groups or individuals where questions concerning spirituality and faith can be openly explored and discussed
• Offering cadets one-to-one pastoral care and spiritual support as they face life's challenges at home and at school
• Presenting classroom electives on topics such as world views and comparative religions, ethics, Christian faith and living, etc.

The Character Development Component

"Leadership is a combination of strategy and character. If you must be without one, be without the strategy." -- General H. Norman Schwarzkopf

Character is not genetic; rather, it is learned behavior. And good character--the kind of character that has inspired the world through the ages--is essential to good leadership. Therefore, to help cadets advance in the process of cultivating character, SJNMA is committed to:

• Providing a culture, community and atmosphere where character is valued, recognized and rewarded
• Modeling, training and assessing character traits in all areas of Academy life
• Educating the cadets regarding the importance and nature of good character through required participation in our character training program
• Holding the cadets accountable for their actions and expecting them to uphold the school honor code
• Creating regular opportunities where character issues are explored and discussed (company meetings, home rooms, Wednesday chapel, etc).