Banning Lewis Ranch Academy has introduced the Naval Sea Cadet Corps as an extracurricular program for students ages 11-14 who are interested in the sea and ships and United States sea-going services.The Colorado Springs Navy League sponsors the program. Since 1958, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps has provided American youth with a drug and alcohol free environment to foster their leadership abilities, broaden their horizons through hands-on training and guide them to becoming mature young adults.Brian DiMarino, BLRA building aide, said the program is the only one of its kind based in a Colorado school. “We plan on expanding the program not just to students in our school, but also to act as the hub for this program and branch out to other schools,” he said. DiMarino, a retired Navy Chief with more than 20 years of service, said the program values leadership, courage, to remain drug and gang free and basic seamanship, as well as teaching naval history and tradition. Participants must demonstrate good academic standing; as well as complete a physical standard test, marching and drills.Recently, Ret. U.S. Navy Capt. Jim Downing, a 95-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, visited the school. Downing was onboard the battleship USS West Virginia on Dec. 7, 1941. Capt. Downing shared a power point presentation and his own memories of events during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
