North Fork Navy Junior Cadets Gain Top Honors in Newport

School is out but a few North Fork students got back into focus with fellow cadets in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at a leadership academy in Newport, R.I. over the past two weeks.

Cadet Casianne Pelan got the silver cord as the distinguished graduate of the entire academy. 

Only seventeen awards are given to individual cadets at the end of the program, and cadets from Southold/Mattituck/Greenport took home six of them.

"It was by far the best group of cadets and most prepared physically and mentally to attend leadership academy," said Maj. William Grigonis.

The long days included a packed schedule of physical fitness leadership classes, drill classes, sailing, swim training, full mission bridge simulations and etiquette classes.  

"Little if any time was enjoyed out in town except for our Saturday liberty, where we visited Fort Adams, did the Cliff Walk, had lunch in Newport and then went off to Easton's Ocean Beach for some relaxation," Maj. Grigonis said. "I am so proud of each and every cadet."