Seaman Recruit Gabriella Hawkins, Division 203, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on May 10.

Hawkins, from Manahawkin, New Jersey, said she joined the Navy to create a foundation and stable life for herself and her future family.

“I believe hard work pays off and nothing in life gets handed to you,” she said. “I look at life as hard work and determination are the key to success. If I put in the hard work, I will make it far in the Navy. The Navy will give me opportunities that you cannot receive while being a civilian.”

Hawkins, 22, is a graduate of Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in sport and exercise psychology from the University of West Virginia in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Hawkins is assigned to the Professional Apprentice Career Track (Airman).

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the No. 1 recruit of their graduating training group. The MEA is awarded to the recruit that best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. The award placed her at the pinnacle of today’s newest Sailors. Hawkins is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Hawkins said she was proud to be selected for the MEA.

“Winning the MEA means a lot because it shows me that my hard work paid off along the way and that I was recognized for all that I have accomplished.” Hawkins said.

Hawkins credited her Recruit Division Commanders, Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Kyle Wills, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Richard Terry, and Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Irish McDonald for their leadership and guidance.

“My RDCs definitely were my motivators from the very beginning,” Hawkins said. “Although the beginning was rough, they always reassured me that ‘some days in boot camp are going to be hard and we are going to push you past your comfort zone, but that’s because we know one day you are going to make a great Sailor.’ Hearing those words coming from someone who is already a Sailor is a big honor, knowing that they see a potential in me.”

Hawkins said the biggest challenge of boot camp was balancing her time.

“The toughest part about boot camp was having the position of yeoman as well and trying to be a recruit at the same time,” she said. “Being a yeoman is a lot of work, you have to manage your time, as well as always looking over yourself and all the others in your division. It can be stressful and overwhelming at the same time, but it can be done and I’m a leading example.”

After graduation, Hawkins will attend the Aviation (Airman) core apprenticeship training program in Pensacola, Florida. The PACT program is a monitored general apprenticeship program that provides apprentice level formal training and on the job training leading to a viable career field.

Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. More than 35,0000 recruits are trained annually at RTC and begin their Navy careers.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.

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For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.