BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)-- Each year, more than 40,000 recruits train at the U.S Navy’s Recruit Training Command, but only the top sailors walk away with the highest award a recruit can earn– the Military Excellence Award. An award that Cadence Clacker of Beckley just recently won herself.

Seaman Cadence Clackler graduated as the top sailor from the Navy’s RTC, earning herself the Military Excellence Award on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The award is presented to the recruit who best demonstrates enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. Clackler said that after winning the award, she could not wait to tell her family, and that it reminded her how important it is to always do your best and to lead by example.

During her graduation ceremony, the 18-year-old sailor, who prev

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