Congratulations to Junior, MiaLuna Rico, who was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal and named Southwest Region Cadet of the Year last weekend. 

Behind the scenes, within her division, the Navy Sea Cadets are evaluated for their performance, commitment, dedication, sportsmanship, attendance, military bearing & leadership skills. Petty Officer 2nd Class MiaLuna Rico received the highest award any Sea Cadet can earn.

The Theodore Roosevelt Youth Community Involvement Medal was presented to Rico during the inspection, providing her the opportunity to go up in rank were she to join the Navy after graduating high school.

"Never in my mind did I think I was going to get recognized this way and receive Cadet of the year," Rico said. "I have faced adversity and never lost sight of my goal and continue to mentor & lead our younger shipmate within my unit."