As a U.S. Naval Sea Cadet, Aiden has been on a submarine-- the USS New Jersey, to be exact-- gets to participate in parades, enjoys a tough but rewarding physical workout program, embarks on fun, team-building activities like bowling, and continues to make lifelong friendships and connections. But what he values the most, he said, is the discipline and respect that the program imparts.
"You have to say, 'Yes, sir,' or 'No, ma'am,' always, every time," Aiden told his rapt audience. "You always have to show respect by the way you speak and act."
School administrators and staff were more than happy to provide Aiden the platform to tell his story. Principal Bryan Madigan, Assistant Principal James Cleveland, and Supervisor Christy Downs helped arrange the talk, and guidance counselor Kelly Cannon joined Aiden up front for his presentation to the crowd, which included Aiden's proud parents. Because the Naval Sea Cadet program is often a pre-cursor to a military pathway, district military liaison and JROTC Academy facilitator Danielle Stolz also made her way there from High School North.