NJROTC Area 4 Leadership Academy Sail Training Graduates 142 Cadets

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- One hundred and forty-two cadets graduated, July 13, from the 2012 Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) Area 4 Leadership Academy and Sail Training program at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport.

The cadets represented nearly 60 high schools in the New England area, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and eastern Pennsylvania.

Capt. Richard Brown, commanding officer, Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS), was the guest speaker.

The cadets, NJROTC adult staff, and chaperones arrived June 30 to begin the two-week program. The selection process is considered highly competitive based on high school grade point average, physical fitness, aptitude, and a demonstration of the many leadership traits stressed at each school's NJROTC unit.

Nearly all of the cadets attending are entering their junior or senior year and will assume significant responsibilities in the fall. There are only a few sophomore cadets who attended the Leadership Academy/Sail Training (LA/ST) program.

"I've learned some new things about leadership and drill that I can take back to my unit," said Cadet Anastasia Nabatov, 16, of Brewster High School, Brewster, N.Y. Nabatov, starting her senior year in the fall, is a Cadet Lt. Cmdr. and Cadet commanding officer at her NJROTC unit.

"This training has taught me what to do. I realize now there is always room for improvement," she said. "This training has helped me keep my bearing."

"The Leadership Academy and Sail Training mission is to prepare selected NJROTC cadets for leadership roles in their respective units by teaching certain leadership characteristics which aren't available at the cadet's home unit," said retired Marine Maj. Bill Grigonis, and LA/ST executive officer.

The LA/ST faculty members and chaperones included 20 senior and staff naval science instructors from various NJROTC units.

The contingent of 18 senior cadet aides assisted in numerous individual-and team-building exercises, physical training, drill, sailing, academics, and different briefings that included STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the military service academies, and the Navy ROTC scholarship program.

"I've taken the leadership skills learned here and will apply them when I return to school," said Cadet Katie Henry, 17, of the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), Sandy Hook, N.J. Henry, a Cadet ensign, starts her senior year in the fall. "This was a very positive experience. It helped me to rise to the occasion."

"The training taught me more about time management skills," said Cadet Dustin Paulick, 17, of MAST. Paulick is a Cadet Lt.j.g. in his NJROTC unit. "I've learned about accountability, in that if I delegate to someone else, I'm still accountable."

The Leadership Academy curriculum consisted of 22, 40-minute interactive classes on leadership skills and the practical application of those skills.

Class topics included establishing personal and unit goals, issuing orders and delegating authority, and taking the initiative, among others.

"My experience here has been incredible," said Cadet Helen Saballos, 16, of Freeport High School, Long Island, N.Y. "It has taught me to grow up; taught me how to be responsible, [and] how to lead."

The sail training component consisted of two, two-hour sessions of classroom instruction on the rules of the road, and a test. That was followed by nine sail training evolutions in the waters of Narragansett Bay. Sail practices were concluded with a champion sailing regatta competition, July 12.

The cadets also visited SWOS for a schoolhouse orientation and demonstration in the full mission bridge simulator; learned water safety at Officer Training Command, Newport's Lt. Michael P. Murphy Combat Training Pool; and, practiced sword and marching drill skills on Nimitz Field.

Amongst this year's class of 106 male and 57 female Area 4 cadets, 99 are honor roll students, 40 are National Honor Society members, 91 are varsity athletes, 25 are class officers, 88 are seeking ROTC scholarships, 65 are seeking appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, 61 plan to enlist, two are Eagle Scouts,
10 are Boys/Girls State alumni, and 20 participate in student government.

"We teach them not only the leadership skills they need but valuable life skills as well. Every cadet will take home valuable lessons learned here at the academy," said retired Navy Capt. Dan Brennock, LA/ST program officer in charge.

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