JROTC “Stars” Honored on April 15th at Council Luncheon

The Sarasota – Manatee Council recognized 4 outstanding cadets from local JROTC units during our luncheon at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice on April 15th. The awards were given as part of our annual recognition of the best-and-brightest in the youth programs that we support : The JROTC units in North Port and Venice High Schools; the DeSoto Young Marines and the Venice Middle School Young Marines; and the Maritime Eagles Sea Cadets.

Cadet Ryan Jungels from the Venice High School Marine Corps JROTC received  a $1000 college scholarship, while Jacob Crane  from VHS was awarded the Teddy Roosevelt medal. Cadet Elizabeth Sturges from North Port High school was presented a $1000 college scholarship, and Sean Eubank from NPHS received the Teddy Roosevelt medal. Congratulations to these four outstanding young men and women!

Guest speaker for the event was Command Master Chief (Ret) Jack  R. Sanzalone, a veteran of 30 years Naval service, nearly all of it in the submarine force. He gave a superb presentation on the current submarine force: status of the fleet; integration of women into the sub service; use of submarines to support our special operations forces, and more. Thanks, Master Chief, for a most interesting and informative talk.

Cadets Jacob Crane and Sean Eubank stand at attention as the citation for the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal is read by President Tim Rocklein

NJROTC Cadet Sean Eubank recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal with Commander Steve Bartek

MCJROTC Cadet Jacob Crane receiving the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal from CWO3 Reed.

Cadet Sean Eubank of North Port HS, recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal, with his family.

Cadet Jacob Crane of Venice High School, recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal, with his family.

Cadet Elizabeth Sturges of North Port HS and Cadet Ryan Jungels of Venice HS as President Rocklein reads the citation for their $1000 scholarships.

President Rocklein, and Master Chief Sanzalone present Cadet Elizabeth Sturges with a check for $1000

President Rocklein presents Master Chief Sanzalone with a gift from the Council