Naples NJROTC cadets interview NAVEUR 2026 Sailor of the Year candidates

NAPLES, Italy – On Tuesday 14 April 2026, cadets from the Naples Middle High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program conducted a Sailor of the Year selection “board” for the 2026 United States Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) Sailor of the Year candidates.

During the event, cadets assumed the role of board members and posed a wide range of thoughtful and professional questions to the candidates, addressing topics related to military knowledge, personal leadership experiences, educational goals, and life in the United States Navy.

This valuable experience provided the cadets with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into Navy culture, expectations, and career pathways, while also allowing them to practice critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills in a realistic setting.

"This gave me a real understanding of people in the Navy," said Antowne Brown, a Sophomore at Naples Middle High School.

At the same time, the Sailor of the Year candidates benefited from the interaction by refining their interview skills and preparing for the next stage of the competitive selection process. Overall, the event was mutually beneficial and reinforced the partnership between the NJROTC program and the Navy, highlighting professional development, mentorship, and shared commitment to excellence.