Wolcott Tech Senior Graduates from Petty Officer Leadership Academy

This New Years Day, OWTS Senior Auto Body student, Ryan Gonska, of Sharon Avenue in Torrington, was graduated from the Petty Officer Leadership Academy of New England.  While most of his high school classmates were relaxing, shopping, and meeting with friends, Ryan spent most of his Christmas vacation at the Academy as part of his training in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.  The Academy is located at the Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island.

In addition to his diploma, Ryan was honored with a citation ribbon for being his divisions Honor Cadet.  The citation reads:

Petty Officer First Class

Ryan Gonska

United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps

Barque Eagle Division

For service as set forth in the following citation:

“For exceptionally meritorious performance of duty resulting in his selection as the Bravo Division Honor Cadet for Petty Officer Leadership Academy New England (Class 6), Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island.  Petty Officer Gonska’s selection as the Honor Cadet was a result of his performance academically, professionally, and militarily.  He completed the required course of study which included classroom work, participation in eight role playing exercises, a final exam, and taste of leadership as Leading Petty Officer.  Petty Officer Gonska’s effort, academic ability, pride, professionalism, and can-do spirit were truly ‘Leadership by Example,’ and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navy and the United States Naval Seas Cadet Corps.”

 According to Ryan, there were 30 students from all over the country at the training session, which was taught by actual US Navy personnel.  To be selected as the Honor Cadet from that group is quite prestigious.

The US Naval Sea Cadet Corps is for students aged 13-18.  Ryan has been involved in the program all the way, beginning with the League Cadet Corps, which is for students aged 10-12.  Along the way he has attended boot camps at Fort Devins and Camp Edwards at Otis Air Force Base.  One of his more exciting experiences was a two week course at Submarine School in Groton.  There he was trained in undersea damage control, fire fighting, and in a submarine simulator.

He currently is an E-6 Petty Officer First Class, and is training to attain the highest level, E-7, which is Chief Petty Officer.

Ryan is an honor student at OWTS and has perfect attendance in his three-plus high school years.  He plans to work for a year after graduation then join the US Coast Guard, where his training in the Cadet Corps will put him ahead of other recruits.