NAVAL SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR (NSI)

    Master Chief Ray Cerda has been the Naval Science Instructor at St. Stephens High School since 2001.  A graduate of Flat Rock High School, Detroit, Michigan, he earned a BA degree in Criminology from St. Leo College, Florida.  Master Chief is a U.S. Navy 20-year veteran.   As part of the USS EISENHOUR (CVN-69) Battle Group during the 1991 Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm) he served in-theatre onboard USS YELLOWSTONE (AD-41), Norfolk, VA, as Legal Officer advising the Commamding Officer on all legal matters.

    At Saint, Master Chief teaches three Naval Science (NS) courses.  NS1 (Introduction to NJROTC), NS3 (Naval Knowledge, Leadership, and Nautical Skills for the NJROTC Student) and Advance Drill & Ceremonial Team Leadership Course.  His additional duties include: certified Air Rifle Marksmanship instructor, Physical Fitness Test coordinator; Orienteering and Academic Team facilitator.

    Master Chief has spearheaded community partnerships with the Navy ROTC Piedmont Consortium (UNC, Chapel Hill, Duke & N.C. State), American Legion Post 48, Boy's Scouts of America Venturing Crew, Clyde Campbell/Snow Creek Elementary & Arndt Middle School Mentoring Program, Army National Guard Mobile Training Unit and Pinecrest Retirement Home.

    In 2009 Master Chief began Master of Science Degree studies in Criminal Justice & Criminology at Appalachian State University Learning Center of Hickory.  He is expected to graduate December 2011. 

Contact Information: Ray_Cerda@catawbaschools.net
Phone: 828-256-9841, ext. 377