PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The Navy League of the United States presented Nease NJROTC with the Most Outstanding Unit in the Nation trophy during a recognition ceremony on June 3 at Nease High School -- an award which recognizes the top unit of 587 Navy JROTC units worldwide.
This is the first time Nease has received the prestigious award. Southold High School from Long Island, New York finished second in the nation.
"The entire unit should feel proud of this achievement," said cadet battalion commander Michaela Heinrich. "All 237 cadets contributed to our unit's success."
The Navy League sponsors the national award. St. Augustine council president Bill Dudley presented the honor to Cadet Heinrich. The award criteria includes level of academic achievements, field meet performance, orientation activities, school service projects, community service activities, extracurricular activities, annual formal inspection report and summer training activities.
"I could not be more proud of these extraordinary young men and women," said Capt. Scott LaRochelle, Nease senior naval science instructor. "Our senior class leadership was exceptional, and their legacy of commitment and service will be remembered for years to come."
Among Nease's noteworthy achievements this year -- more than 5,200 hours of community service; 1st place finishes in Mandarin Drill Meet, Terry Parker Drill Meet, Area 12 Drill Meet Championships, Middleburg Pentathlon, Lithonia Ironman, Bartram Raider Challenge, Lee Ultimate Frisbee Championship and Navarre Academic Postal. Internally, the unit sponsors its own mentoring and tutoring program to ensure the military and academic development of all cadets in the program.