An Orrville native is beginning his Navy career at the very top. Seaman Keontae Owens, 28, was named the top Sailor graduating from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, earning the Military Excellence Award on Jan. 15. The honor is the Navy’s highest recognition for recruits.

Owens says the moment was deeply meaningful, not just for him, but for everyone he trained alongside.

“This award represents the sweat, effort, and resilience of my entire division,” Owens said. “I may be the one receiving it, but we earned it together.”

The Military Excellence Award, presented by the Navy Club of the United States, recognizes the recruit who best demonstrates leadership, teamwork, discipline, and devotion to duty. Owens also received a flag letter of commendation, placing him at the top of his graduating class.

Before enlisting, Owens had already built a strong civilian career. He worked as an exotic alloy metallurgist at a nuclear facility supporting spent-fuel storage projects, coached varsity football and track at Orrville High School, and spent years mentoring at-risk youth in his community.

Owens says those experiences helped shape his leadership style and ultimately led him to the Navy. “Coaching and mentoring gave me purpose. Helping young people see what they’re capable of prepared me for this next chapter.”

Joining the Navy, Owens says, was about more than a career move, it was about legacy. “I wanted to be part of something bigger. I wanted to build something my family could be proud of.”

Now officially part of the fleet, Owens hopes the standard he set at boot camp carries forward into his Navy service, and inspires others to do the same.