Warren Twp. teen honored by Young Marine program
Nina Staben, a 16-year-old Junior at Warren Township High School in Gurnee, is the definition of overachiever.
She is actively involved in the following:
• Member of the National Honor Society
• Member of the cheerleading squad.
• Varsity letter in football
• Competes on the power lifting team.
• Participates on State's Attorney Michael Nerheim's Teen Court as both a juror and attorney.
• At the age of 8 in 2012, she joined the Young Marines Youth group.
Nina's goal is to receive an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Young Marine Organization
The Young Marines is a nonprofit youth education and service program that serves boys and girls ages 8 through the completion of high school. Founded in 1959, the program is modeled after, and officially endorsed by, the United States Marine Corps. There are more than 300 units in the global program.
The Young Marines strengthens the lives of America's youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring veterans, good citizenship, community service and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members.
The program focuses on character building and leadership and promotes a lifestyle that is conducive to being productive members of society.
Lake County Marines Detachment 801 sponsors the Lake County Young Marines.
Distinguished Order of Merit
Staben received the Distinguished Order of Merit in 2019. The Young Marine Distinguished Order of Merit is the highest achievement award a Young Marine can earn.
This award is intended to recognize those who have demonstrated, through their superlative example, the values the program considers worthy of special recognition. The DOM is intended for those senior Young Marines who have committed themselves to the ideals of the Young Marine program.
The requirements for the Distinguished Order of Merit are extensive and can take years to accomplish. Not only must the DOM recipient meet the ribbon, leadership, teamwork and Esprit Magazine submission requirements, they must also plan, coordinate and report on a Veteran/Community Service Project. Her project was the renovations at the Veterans War Memorial in North Chicago.
Young Marine of the Year
Staben has been named Division 5 Young Marine of the Year for 2020.
There are 5 levels of Young Marines of the Year: the Unit, Battalion, Regimental, Division and a National Young Marine of the Year.
The highlight of the Division Young Marine of the Year is being able to go to Guam and Iwo Jima to visit the memorial.
Nina is one of six finalists for the National Young Marine of the Year, which will be announced at the national meeting in Las Vegas in May.
Promoted to Young Marine Sergeant Major Jan. 1, 2020
The highest rank at the unit level is Master Gunnery Sgt. The rank of Sgt. Maj. must have a national responsibility.
As YM Sgt. Maj. of Division 5, Nina is obligated to strengthen the division by mentoring fellow Young Marines, advocating the program and spreading the awareness of drug and substance abuse.
She will also be traveling the nation to different Young Marine units and working with the division commander and the national executive director of the program.
Det. 801 Commandant Jerry Pedrin and Past Commandant Al Seyler presented her with a Distinguished Citizen Certificate and an engraved USMC K-Bar Knife.
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