Kent-Sisler Memorial Scholarships

For the past twenty-plus years, the Club has presented awards to two graduating seniors at Kings Park High School. These awards were established to honor the memory of William E. Sisler and Edward P. Kent, graduates of Kings Park High School, who lost their lives in a tragic boating accident off Long Island Sound on June 22, 1981. 

At the time of the accident, William was a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. His friend Edward was the brother of U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Rosemary Kent. While attempting to save Edward’s life, Midshipman Sisler perished. When a sudden storm capsized the boat in which he and two companions were embarked, Midshipman Sisler worked feverishly to ensure the survival of the group.  Diving under the capsized boat several times to retrieve flotation devices and material with which to signal other craft, he and his shipmate attempted for over five hours to keep the third member to the trio, a weaker swimmer, afloat.  With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, Midshipman Sisler elected to remain with his stricken shipmate (Edward Kent) rather than swim for shore.  Administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation under the most adverse of conditions, he and his comrade succumbed to the hostile elements before help could arrive.  By his heroic, selfless action, Midshipman Sisler sacrificed his own life in an attempt to save the life of another; thereby reflecting the utmost credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.  For this act of bravery, he was posthumously awarded a citation for heroism by the Secretary of the Navy.

The accounts of that event vividly remind us about noble, enduring qualities that set exceptional people apart from others. They are individuals who demonstrate personal character and an unselfish commitment to service. In Billy Sisler, we found a special person who demonstrated those qualities and valor too, in making the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of another human being.

In recognition of his perseverance through personal adversity and his achievements during his Kings Park High School career, it is with great pleasure that the William E. Sisler Memorial Award is presented to Justin Smith. 

And, in recognition of her extensive community service as well as her many academic achievements here at Kings Park High School, the Edward P. Kent Memorial Award is presented to Kristen Schultz.

Memorial Brick Ceremony

Remarks on the Occasion of the Dedication of the Memorial Bricks, 29 March 2009

At the Academy, every Midshipman is simmered in the same cauldron that produced the greatest leaders of our sea services: Halsey, Nimitz, King, LeJeune, Ripley, the names go on and on.  To this list we can add all the young men, leaders of character, whose careers have been cut short: men like those we honor and remember.  Like our children, they were typical Midshipmen: athletes, scholars, leaders.  And the path that they chose, as Marine Corps ground officers, is a testament to their character.  On March 28 & 29 2009 NAPCLI honored 1st Lt Ronald Winchester, USMC and 1st Lt Michael LiCalzi, USMC by placing a wreath at their memorial bricks along the walk way of the United States Marine Corps Museum. NAPCLI members were present along with the Winchester and LiCalzi families.  Rather than dwelling on the premature loss of these two fine young men, speculating on what might have been, we should all consider that Ronald Winchester and Michael LiCalzi, our Midshipmen, our Marines, our sons, have done what few men are ever called to do: they have done what they loved.  God speed to all our Officers.