Prentis M. McDonald, national director of the Mississippi Council of the Navy League, was on board Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Meridian, Mississippi, June 3 to recognize Logistics Specialist Seaman Jesse L. Lessman as NTTC Meridian's 3rd Stennis Center of Excellence Award Winner for calendar year 2015.

The Stennis Center of Excellence Program was founded in collaboration with the Mississippi Council of the Navy League to recognize Sailors of all rates who have demonstrated outstanding scholastic aptitude and military performance. To earn this premier honor, graduates must have the top 1 or 2 Grade Point Average (GPA) when compared with all graduates in the past 12 months, and additionally participate in two community service projects within the surrounding Meridian area. The Mississippi Council of the Navy League sponsors the Stennis Center of Excellence award and presents a plaque to recognize outstanding student's achievements.

Lessman graduated the Logistics Specialist "A" School with a perfect 100 percent grade point average, making him the number 1 of 1521 logistics specialist students within the last 12 months. Additionally, he completed 9 hours of community relations volunteer service while stationed at NTTC Meridian.

Seaman Lessman attended State University of New York earning his Bachelor's degree in Business Economics. He enlisted in the United States Navy on November 18, 2014, and reported to Naval Technical Training Center, Meridian on April 18, 2015. His aspirations are to seek guidance and mentorship from his chain of command to become a great leader and earn his commission as a Naval Officer.

Seaman Lessman's next duty station will be with Strike Fighter Squadron 137 in Lemoore, California.

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