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PASS IN REVIEW HELD AT MIAMI'S MAST ACADEMY Story and Photo by PA3 Sandra Bartlett  Hundreds of Coast Guard JROTC cadets stood proud in formation Wednesday morning, as the commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District inspected each cadet as part of this year’s Pass in Review, a 13-year tradition at the Maritime and Science Technology Academy.
Since its establishment in 1991, the MAST Academy in Miami is the only high school in the nation to provide the Coast Guard with a JROTC. Located near the busy Port of Miami, the school is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. During the cadet’s high school years, they face many challenges beyond that of the average student. The JROTC course is an elective chosen by the students in which they receive military training aside from demanding academic courses. “The most important thing I’ve learned since I’ve been here is not to put boundaries on what you can do,” said Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Brittany Lee, a senior at the academy. “It’s amazing to learn so much about yourself, and about respect, time management, and leadership.” “The main objective of the MAST Academy is to develop more informed and responsible citizens,” said retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Robert F. Lasseter. Lasseter has been the Maritime Science Instructor at the academy for the past five years. Today, the academy demonstrated the success of meeting that objective to the commander of the Coast Guard’s busiest district. Rear Adm. Harvey E. Johnson Jr. is responsible for the direction of thousands of Coast Guardsmen within 1.8 million square miles bordering 26 countries off the Southeast portion of the United States. During the ceremony, Johnson was able to meet with several of the academy’s staff members, as well as students and cadets. As part of the Pass in Review tradition, he inspected each of the cadet’s uniforms, and provided the academy with his words of wisdom. Johnson also observed each of the battalion companies as they marched past, rendering salutes, and presenting the colors of their company’s flags. “The leadership and responsibility displayed by these young people is inspiring,” said Johnson, proudly. “These qualities mold the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.” ### |
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