CROWN POINT | It was smooth sailing this summer for the sea cadets from the local Stars and Stripes Division of the U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Corps.

Brianne Pope and Sean Kelley, both of DeMotte, completed a rigorous, nine-day boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Base, Great Lakes, Ill., promoting them to seamen apprentice.

Pope's all-female unit earned Honor Company designation for the training. Pope recently earned an academic ribbon for achieving honor roll status at Kankakee Valley High School in Wheatfield.

Also, Pope and Kelley each earned the Community Service ribbon this summer for their volunteer work at St. Anthony Nursing Home.

Seamen Nicholas Canete, of Lowell, attended several advanced training sessions this summer, including an eight-day medical training course at Great Lakes Naval Base , where he was awarded the NSCC Citation Ribbon for Superior performance of duty during Medical Training. Canete was specifically pointed out by Navy instructors as having an outstanding military bearing and a keen desire to learn.

Canete also participated in Petty Officer Leadership Academy in Milan,Tenn., where he received the NSCC Meritorious Recognition Ribbon as the top petty officer of the training session. In addition, Canete staffed a Navy League orientation where he earned a bronze star for his Superior performance as the leading staff cadet during the training. LCDR Donna Snodgrass commended Seamen Canete, stating that he brings distinct credit to himself and to the United States Sea Cadet Corps.

The Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a federally chartered youth training organization committed to a drug- and alcohol-free environment that fosters leadership abilities, broadens the youths' horizons through hands-on training and provides positive role models for young adults.

The Cadet Corps objectives are to develop good citizenship, self-discipline, and a greater sense of responsibility and leadership skills. The program is open to all young Americans regardless of race, color, creed or sex. Parents who believe their son or daughter would benefit from this program are welcome to call Kathy Simko, commanding

officer of the Stars and Stripes Division, at (219) 688-2037.

- For The Times

BREAKOUT

Informational meeting

The Stars and Stripes Division of the U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Corps will host an informational meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at The Conservative Cafe, 201 N. Main St., Crown Point. Complimentary refreshments will be served and young people and their parents can learn more about the requirements and opportunities provided by the cadet corps.

FYI: Call Kathy Simko at (219) 688-2037 for more information.