Smiths JROTC Teacher Wins MEA Golden Apple Award

Semper Fidelis, Latin for always faithful. Sergeant Major Ken Waltz knows there is no such thing as an ex-marine. That’s why when he retired from the corps after 30 years, he slid seamlessly into the Marine Corps JROTC program at Smiths Station High School.
“I wanted to stay around the Marine Corps and stay associated with the Marines,” says Waltz.

His students learn drills and military history. They also study the flag and the Constitution.  It’s a tough curriculum. “We get outside pretty bit, it’s a physically demanding program but I always tell the kids and my students that I lead by example. When they do something I have either done it or will do it with them.”

Sergeant Major Waltz is preparing his students, to be good citizens, the kind of work he says often goes unnoticed. “Sometimes we forget and don’t get that pat on the back as I do to myself. Sometimes, that we’re doing a quality job and trying to help students become better people and be better citizens.”

One of his students Nicholas Blakey is headed for boot camp in September. He can’t wait to become a marine…and he has the Sergeant Major, his role model, to thank.
“He’s an amazing guy. He’s definitely a character. He can definitely get us motivated, get us to do what we need to do.” 

Sergeant Major Waltz was nominated by Kelli Anderson of Salem, Alabama. She writes “He goes out of his way to help students. He makes sure they have proper training and skills for daily life. He listens and talks to you if you have any problems. He treats everyone fairly.”