Two Sailors responsible for leading and training Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) students during the third quarter were recognized for superior performance at an awards ceremony Aug. 13.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Antonia Chavarria from NETC Learning Site (LS) Kings Bay, Georgia, was named the NETC Staff Instructor of the Quarter, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Marie McHellon from LS Kings Bay was named the NETC Staff Sailor of the Quarter.

Chavarria, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, and 2000 graduate of Roy Miller High School, serves as a leadership instructor and led three Navy Instructor Training Courses (NITC) graduating 75 students during the award period. As the supply officer, she took initiative to research and obtain improved instructional video equipment that allowed the LS to extend the reach of its instructors. 

“I enjoy giving students the tools and techniques to use when they go to their next command as instructors,” said Chavarria.  “Some students are so frightened of public speaking, I like to help them harness their nervous energy to help them speak clearer and louder and help them walk around the room. I really do enjoy seeing improvements in the student’s presentation. What they learn here is what they will carry to the fleet.”   

Chavarria is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Saint Leo University and is active in local theater and chorus booster clubs.

The characteristics that propel Petty Officer Chavarria to the top is her professionalism and positivity,” said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Terrell Davis.  “She is always smiling and always eager to help students be their very best. Her in-depth knowledge of the instructional material is second to none considering her short time onboard. She is a vital asset to NITC success at Kings Bay.”

McHellon, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, graduated from Morrow Senior High School and currently serves as a leadership instructor at LS Kings Bay. She taught two Command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor courses, three Command Managed Equal Opportunity (CMEO) Program Manager courses and three NITCs, graduating a total of 226 students.

“What inspires me the most is being able to be a great part of the evolution of Navy leaders and accomplishing NETC’s mission for Sailors that are at sea and ashore,” said McHellon. “I enjoy working with both military and civilian staff members and feel we have a direct impact with each and every Sailor to help them become the best leader they can be.”

In addition to instructing at LS Kings Bay, she was handpicked to teach CMEO courses in Gulfport, Mississippi and Mayport, Florida.

During her off-duty time, McHellon recently completed a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Strayer University.

"Petty Officer McHellon does an excellent job of engaging with her students and motivating them to succeed," said Lt. Jonathan Madary, the Kings Bay LS officer in charge. "It is apparent that she is a motivated Sailor constantly looking to better herself."   

For additional information on NETC, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil or http://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow NETC on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/netcpao and Twitter @netcpao.

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