Throughout the week of June 14th, St. Lucie West Centennial High School's Eagle Navy program did their school proud. The Navy Junior ROTC programat Centennial sent four of its top cadets to the state-wide LeadershipAcademy, held at AdmiralFarragutNavalHigh School in St. Petersburg, Florida.

During the week, the cadets spent day and night with their new "parents" (retired Marine and Navy drill instructors). They learned discipline and attention to detail from the military's best in a very real "boot camp" like environment. At LeadershipAcademy the cadets also learned to sail, orienteer (use a map and compass), polish their drill (marching) ability and most importantly--improve their leadership skills.

Cadet Ensign Brian Depaola, Cadet Ensign James Becker, Cadet Chief Baron Tuschinski, and Cadet Chief Lee Walls all represented Centennial High School proudly. Cadets Becker and Depaola brought back two academic medals scoring 100's on the Academic test. Cadet Tuschinski commanded one of three platoons during the week and for the pass-in-review graduation ceremony. Cadets Depaola and Becker served as their platoon guidon (platoon flag bearers). All four cadets make very positive impressions on their drill instructors.

During the graduation ceremony, retired Navy Cmdr. Dirk Hebert, the NJROTC Area Manager for Florida stated, "Of the 100,000 Navy cadets nationwide, less than ten percent graduate from LeadershipAcademy." The four local cadets received the coveted silver aiguillette which they will wear on their uniform to distinguish them as the best of the best.