JROTC cadets at Providence High received a special honor when U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Kevin McCoy presented them with the Naval Unit of Achievement Award for North and South Carolina on Wednesday, May 16. The award recognizes the most improved JROTC program. As winners, Providence is in the running for the national award.

Vice Admiral McCoy manages operations of the Navy’s fleet of ships, which involves decisions ranging from kitchen equipment to torpedoes and accounts for a quarter of the Navy’s budget, approximately $32 billion. As a high-ranking member of the Navy, he was able to relate the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and its real-world application in both the military and civilian workforce.

“No matter what you do, if you want to set yourself up for the rest of your life, study math and science. We can’t keep the #1 Navy in the world without graduates in math and science.”

Nathalia Ruiz, lieutenant commander for the Providence High JROTC, felt the visit was a meaningful recognition for the accomplishments of the cadets.

“Our achievement shows we’ve learned about leadership and teamwork. There is something special going on in our team. Our cadets will take a lot from Vice Admiral McCoy’s visit; they’ll consider the importance of STEM and get involved.”

Vice Admiral McCoy was in Charlotte as part of the Navy 50-50 Program. 50-50 is a new outreach program that follows the Navy Week Flag Officer/SES outreach model, featuring two-three days of high-level engagements with corporate executives, civic leaders, government officials, university faculty and administrators, non-profit executive directors and members of the media. It is designed to build on United States Navy efforts to increase Americans’ understanding of the Navy’s mission, capabilities and relevance to national security.