Class No. 6 of the Lake Havasu City Young Marines graduated Saturday at the Aquatic Center.

The following 18 recruits were promoted to Young Marines: Jorge Agosto, Shaun Alozian, Mia Alvaz, Alexander Beaty, Ruby Bengoa, Chris Colon, Chad Cooper, Korina Damian, Sierra Danielson, Levi Dunn, Jovi Elsey, Jacob Ferketich, Michael Flowers, Kayless Keasey, Lilyann Kotecki, Natalie Prince, Daryl Reckinger and Monica Viramontes.

Presentation of Colors was by the Young Marines Color Guard. Key speaker was previous Unit Commander Rod Determan. Determan was presented a plaque by current Unit Commander Casey Cox in appreciation of the time he spent with Young Marines.

One of the recruits promoted today was Monica Viramontes.

Monica Viramontes salutes her father, Jason Azar, after he pinned her during the Young Marine’s graduation. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“I got ranked PFC for being outstanding in every task that they gave me for showing leadership and discipline,” Viramontes said. “This program means to me it’s a place where kids can go to cope with feelings that are having some problems and it just like teaches them discipline and leadership. It was both fun and hard work.”

Jonathan Azar is the father of one of the recruits promoted. “Today I got to pin my daughter in Young Marines and it got me a little choked up and it meant a lot to me cause of all these years of being tough on her at home has paid off.”

There are currently 50 members of the Lake Havasu Young Marines.

Levi Dunn graduates the Young Marines Saturday afternoon. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Young Marines’ mission is to promote the mental, moral, physical development of young Americans. All of its activities emphasize the importance of honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, Family, Country and Community.

The Young Marines is open to both boys and girls ages 8 through the completion of high school. For information on joining Young Marines, contact Unit Commander Casey Cox at unitcommander@lakehavasucityyoungmarines.org.