SAA alumnus, David Rothe, class of '87, joined us for Alumni Monday on October 3, 2022. He shared how he came to The Academy and all the positive impacts the teachers, faculty, and staff had on his life, even beyond his years here.

After attending SAA, David went on to join the U.S. Army after he graduated from high school. He served our country for 22 years and retired in 2015. Over the course of his military career, David has earned numerous awards, including the Combat Infantryman's badge, given for taking fire from the enemy.

He spoke about past faculty and staff that he can recall making his time at The Academy special, one of them being Col. Bondurant, who he said made a huge impact on his life and ultimately inspired him to join the military. 

David says, “SAA has influenced my life in such an amazing way. The discipline and values that I learned at SAA are the same ones that are emphasized in the military, which are duty, honor, and country with a foundation under God. I learned to believe in myself and to look for the best in all people. I learned to respect others and, without hesitation, take care of those who need help.”

He left the boys with three things that he personally believes The Academy is based on: leadership, loyalty, and love. 

“I have always said that the Academy is built on three basic principles: Leadership, Loyalty and Love. The friendships built at SAA are for a lifetime and the memories that you build will always be with you long after you leave. Whenever I visit, I can close my eyes, and still hear the laughter, feel the love, and remember what it was like to feel so special for the time I was there.”

Thank you, David, for your inspiring and encouraging words, and thank you for serving our country.

Watch David's full Alumni Monday interview below: