9 Nease NJROTC cadets graduate from Leadership Academy

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Nease NJROTC, the No. 1 program in Area-12 and one of the top 10 programs nationally, restocked its high-performing cadet leadership ranks, successfully graduating nine cadets at the Area-12 NJROTC Leadership Academy in Gainesville, Georgia from June 7-13.

More than 200 hig- performing cadets from Area-12’s 60 NJROTC high school programs (Northern Florida and the state of Georgia) participated in the training.  The top Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard JROTC naval science instructors from Northern Florida and state of Georgia directed the training which covered leadership, precision drill, academics and physical fitness.  

This year’s attendees included rising seniors Eduardo Castellon, Kevin Valinho and Ethan Wissel; and rising juniors Tatiana Donnelly, Dylan Dosio, Abigail and Amber Vidler, Forrest Vosburg and Michael Winczner. Cadet Hayden Rowe served as cadre during the week, assisting in the mentoring and training of the cadets. Two of Nease’s naval science instructors, Capt. Scott LaRochelle and Master Chief Duane Spears. worked as instructors for the program.

 “Amazing. I loved it, made great friends from other schools and learned so much about leadership at the same time,” Cadet Tatiana Donnelly said.  

Cadets received individual commendations for exceptional performance during the training, including Cadets Abigail and Amber Vidler as the No. 1 and No. 3 female athletes; Cadets Abigail and Amber Vidler as Honor Platoon cadet recognizing the top overall cadet in their respective platoons; and Cadet Amber Vidler serving as platoon commander for the overall top-rated platoon during the week.

“Best week of my life,” Cadet Eduardo Castellon said. “From reveille at 5 a.m. until taps at 10 p.m., we were nonstop learning, drilling, exercising … it was awesome.”