(L to R):  Regina Cruz-Morales, President, Kiwanis Club of South Lake and Lt. Gary Schindele, Clermont Battalion of the Navy Sea Cadets

The Kiwanis Club of South Lake welcomed Lt. Gary Schindele, USNSCC Commanding Officer, to speak at the meeting, after which the club presented him with a check to help support the Clermont Battalion of the Navy Sea Cadets. 

The US Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) is a federally chartered, non-profit youth organization for students ages 10 through high school graduation.  It is their mission to build leaders of character by imbuing in our cadets the highest ideals of honor, respect, commitment and service.  It is NOT a military recruiting program, but an avenue for the students to access high levels of exposure to STEM programs and to have access to other specialized disciplines and experiences that they would not get anywhere else.  Regardless of the future path they choose, the program will establish a foundation of self-confidence, honor and leadership upon which they can pursue any career.

The cadets meet one weekend a month during the school year at the Clermont Police Headquarters where they participate in a variety of hands-on outdoor training events, and participate year-round in community service projects.  During school vacations, the cadets have the opportunity to train around the country on US Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore stations, and even have opportunities to train in other countries.  The program is sponsored by the Navy League of the United States and and is supported by both the US Navy and the US Coast Guard.  Locally, the Clermont battalion is sponsored by the Clermont Police Department.

It is only through donations that the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps is possible.   For more information about the Clermont Battalion of the Navy Sea Cadets, or to make a donation please visit clermontbattalion.com.

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Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child at a time.  The Kiwanis Club of South Lake meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 am at the Citrus Tower Conference Center, 2757 Citrus Tower Boulevard.  Stop by and check us out.  We’d love to meet you!  For additional information about Kiwanis, please visit kcosl.org or Kiwanis.org