Jonah Lavilla at Parris Island

Marine Corps Pfc. Jonah K. Lavilla, son of Vanessa Lavilla of Berkeley Springs, and Joseph Lavilla, Jr. of Berkeley Springs, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C.

For 13 weeks, Lavilla stayed committed during some of the world's most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.

One week prior to graduation, Lavilla endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits' minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.

Lavilla is a 2003 graduate of Slidell High School of Slidell, La.