Celebrating Excellence in Youth Leadership!

On April 15, 2025, the Sarasota-Manatee Council-Navy League of the US proudly hosted its annual Youth Awards Ceremony at the Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, Florida. We were honored to have Vice Admiral Doug Crowder, USN (Ret.), in attendance and thrilled by the turnout from our community. The event celebrated exceptional cadets and Young Marines from across the region, recognizing their leadership, academic achievement, and dedication to service.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Agnes Pelopida, Assistant Principal at North Port High School. The audience also heard a compelling presentation from Cadet Ty Richardson of Lemon Bay High School, who shared reflections on his experience at the National Flight Academy last summer.

Although the Sea Cadets, Pinellas Park HS CGJROTC, and North Port High School NJROTC units were unable to attend in person, their awards were forwarded, and cadets Nicoli Cimmino and Lillyana Dacanha were recognized in earlier presentations.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal, awarded to the top returning cadet or young Marine in each unit. This year’s medal recipients included:

 • SGT Yana Brilista, Imagine School of North Port Young Marines

 • Cadet CPO Abigail Bailey, Charlotte High School NJROTC

 • Cadet ENS Brian Doung, Port Charlotte High School NJROTC

 • Cadet 2LT Lucas Ogle, Venice High School MCJROTC

 • Cadet ENS Zoe Mann, Lemon Bay High School NJROTC

 • YM SGT Olivia Folkers, Venice Middle School Young Marines

Each awardee received an engraved medal with ribbon bar, a certificate, and a framed citation.

In addition, three students were awarded full scholarships—each valued at $1,700—to attend the National Flight Academy aboard NAS Pensacola for a one-week immersive experience this summer. Scholarship recipients were:

 • Cadet GySgt Sean Ballentine, Venice HS MCJROTC

 • Cadet LCPL Volodymyr Faryna, Venice HS MCJROTC

 • YM SGT Yana Brilista, Imagine School of North Port

To further support youth development, the Council also presented a $1,000 donation to the commanding officer of each participating unit:

 • CAPT Darren Glasser, USN, SNSI, Lemon Bay HS NJROTC

 • Chief May, NSI, Port Charlotte HS NJROTC

 • LT. Heather Bove, USCG, SNSI, Charlotte HS NJROTC

 • Capt. Dean P. Krom, USMC (Ret.), SMI, Venice HS MCJROTC

 • Col. Richard Borkowski, USMC (Ret.), CO, Imagine School Young Marines

 • CAPT Fred Thompson, CO, Venice MS Young Marines

The Sarasota-Manatee Council of the Navy League extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and its deep appreciation to the educators and mentors who guide them.