Author: VICTOR APONTE

  The SLW Centennial Navy JROTC took an educational Field Trip to the Kennedy Space Center on Thursday, September 16th, 2021. The unit had an outstanding time learning the history of the “space race” by starting their field trip at the Heroes & Legends building featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. The Tour continued to the Apollo/Saturn V Center where they learned about the challenges associated with landing the first man on the moon. They concluded their field trip at the Journey to Mars exhibit, where they learned NASA’s challenges in developing human colonies not only on closest celestial … Read More

On Friday, September 17th, 2021 the SLW Centennial Navy JROTC assisted the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #566 in their annual POW/MIA (Prisoners of War / Missing in Action) Candle Lighting Ceremony in remembrance of those veterans that were and might still be captures as well as those veterans that are missing in action while performing their duties during times of war.  Holding the American Flag was SLW Centennial Navy JROTC’s Executive Officer Cadet Lieutenant Aidan Rossell, the yellow Vietnam Veterans of America’s Flag was held by SLW Centennial’s Navy JROTC’s Armory/Weapon’s Officer Cadet Petty Officer Third Class Devin Borut, … Read More

  On Thursday, May 13th, 2021, the SLW Centennial High School’s Navy JROTC honored their School Resource Officers (SRO).  The SLW Centennial Commanding Officer, Cadet Lieutenant Commander Gregory Vetrano (left) presents Deputy Sheriff Garland Heath from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, with an American Flag Plaque signed by all of the NJROTC Cadets.  While the Senior Naval Science Instructor, Lieutenant Victor Aponte (right), presents Police Officer Adrienne Pietrzak from the Port St. Lucie Police Department, with her own American Flag Plaque signed by all of the cadets in the NJROTC as well. The American Flag Plaques were purchased by … Read More

The St. Lucie West Centennial High School’s Navy JROTC presented colors and was honored to start the Pledge of Allegiance during this year’s Annual Memorial Celebration honoring the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event was sponsored by the Caribbean American Cultural Group, Inc., and hosted at the Sunlight Community Church in Port Saint Lucie on Saturday, April 3rd, 2021.  The Guest Speaker was Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond, Founder and Senior Pastor of Bethel AME Church located in Boston, Massachusetts. The Color Guard team consisted of Left Rifleman Cadet Lieutenant Bryson Laurent, Ensign Flagman Cadet … Read More

The St. Lucie West Centennial High School’s Navy JROTC assisted parents and soon-to-be kindergartners by escorting them to SLW Centennial High School’s auditorium.  The event was held on Thursday, April 22nd from 11:00AM until 7:00PM.  SLW Centennial High School was one of three venues in the Saint Lucie School District where the Kindergarten Round-up events occurred. Future kindergartners received backpacks and other school supplies to assist in their transition to students in the upcoming school year.  Good luck to them all!  

On Wednesday, January 27th, 2021, The SLW Centennial High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) conducted its Annual Military Inspection (AMI) on its football field. Multiple distinguished and honored guests attended, including Purple Heart recipient Major Hal Davis (US Army Ret.), Navy League Treasure Coast Council Youth Director Captain Peter Petrelis (US Navy Ret.) and United States Special Forces Association Members Lieutenant Colonel Lynn Steele (US Army Ret.), Sergeant Bill Sander (US Army Ret.) and Sergeant Art Walker (US Army Ret.). The AMI is an inspection conducted annually by a Navy representative to ensure that each NJROTC unit … Read More

  The SLW Centennial NAVY JROTC Black Talon Company annually partners with Toys for Tots and the United States Marine Corps to collect toys for underprivileged families and children.  This year they collected over 600 toys (4 Large Boxes) for the Toys for Tots organization and they have volunteered over 400 community service hours in support of Toys for Tots. The NJROTC Black Talon unit begins collecting toys annually, from October and ending in December, every year. The unit assists in collecting, categorizing, and distributing the much needed toys and cheer to the local area’s less fortunate families and children.  … Read More

SLW Centennial High School NAVY JROTC‘s own Naval Science Instructor Gunnery Sergeant Rodriguez, USMC (Ret.) participated in the Woodcarvers Purple Heart Cane presentation this weekend on the 26th of January 2019.  He can be seen on the accompanied picture third from the right.  The Woodcarvers Organization presents handmade walking canes to Military Veteran and Active Duty Purple Heart recipients.  

Cadets from the SLW Centennial NAVY JRTOC proudly participated in the St. Lucie County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade as part of the 35th Anniversary Commemorative Celebration. The theme this year was “A Legacy of Justice, Peace, and Equality.”