On November 2, clear skies graced the CCHS campus as the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) performed for retiring Inspecting Officer/Area 7 Manager, Commander Dirk Herbert, during their 2017 Pass in Review.
“It went really well and it was very memorable because Commander Dirk Herbert is retiring,” Cadet Ensign Sarah Seng said. “This was his last Area Manager Inspection (AMI).”
The Area Manager Inspection is an annual event that lead by the Area 7 Manager, who evaluates the fitness of the battalion through analyzing their yearly service projects, equipment condition, crispness of their drill performance, and more.
Before the inspection began, however, NJROTC members, along with veterans and other CCHS and their family members congregated in the courtyard to pay their respects to those who perished in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.
“Most of the kids out there weren’t born… [until after] it happened, but the turnout was still outstanding,” Commander Herbert said. “‘Never forget’ is alive and well.”
During the memorial ceremony, all who attended placed American flags into the ground and took a moment to reflect on the action.
“9/11 is usually a sad feeling, but it was nice to see [NJROTC] show respect and, at the same time, show their pride for the school,” Senior Naval Science Instructor Commander Jose Testa said.
“Most of the kids out there weren’t born… [until after] it happened, but the turnout was still outstanding,” Commander Herbert said. “‘Never forget’ is alive and well.”
Afterwards, the Sound of Pride played a few somber songs in remembrance before everyone made their way to the football field, where the band and the NJROTC fanned out to fill the expanse. There, the National Anthem was played in order to commence the Pass in Review.
With Chief Staff Officer Lieutenant Commander John Lystad narrating the affair, 192 cadets lead by Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Natalia Aguirre, Adjutant/Operations Officer Lieutenant Nicholas Preston and Commanding Officer Cullen Chamberlain showed why they had been deemed a “distinguished unit” last year.
“One of the best units in the entire country,” Commander Herbert said of the unit.
The battalion was able to pass their review and continued to impress not only Inspector Herbert, but themselves as well.
“Last year we won the highest award that could be won for NJROTC, and this Area Manager Inspection proved we deserved that award,” Cadet Ensign Jennifer Rentas said.
Before the end of the inspection, some surprise awards were given to a few members who went above and beyond.
“It was a complete and utter surprise to be awarded the Cadet Achievement Award,” Cadet Ensign Katherine Smith said.
Overall, everyone seemed extremely pleased with the NJROTC’s progress, including their teacher, Commander Testa.
“They are motivated and it’s them running things now,” Commander Testa said. “I’m only a facilitator; planning the trips is done by the cadets. The main purpose of the program is to make better citizens, and the support we get from parents on a workday is amazing – we can’t without the parents.”
NJROTC parents were extremely proud of how their children performed during the Pass in Review and were generally exceedingly supportive of the NJROTC program.
“I was very proud and her decision to join the NJROTC program,” parent of Cadet Ensign Maridelsa Suero Almonte, Joe La Paugh, said. “In general, the program builds character and it is reflected at home. It’s adding to her already great moral character – she is more of a second mom to her little brother than a big sister.”
The lunch was also attended by several veterans who had much to say on the topic of CCHS, particularly about Principal Wendy Doll.
“Ms. Doll is the finest woman in the world,” retired Master Sergeant George Caffrey said. “She is somebody that is interested in education and her students. She holds nothing back and is as honest as they come.”
In regards to NJROTC in general, Master Sergeant George Caffrey added that “[NJROTC] is fun – anyone that tells you it isn’t fun is lying.”
The following awards and recognitions were presented:
Cadet Achievement Awards
Cadet Lieutenant Commander John Lystad
Cadet Lieutenant Commander Natalia Aguirre
Cadet Ensign Jennifer Rentas
Cadet Ensign Katherine Smith
Cadet Ensign Sarah Seng
For Cadet Achievement while serving as Chief Staff Officer, Executive Officer, Supply Officer, Training Officer, Public Affairs, Officer, Academic Commander, Unarmed Drill Team Commander, Unarmed Exhibition Drill Commander, Academic and Athletic Team Members at Cooper City High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit From August 2017 to November 2017
Meritorious Achievement Award
Cadet Commander Cullen Chamberlain
For Meritorious Achievement while serving as Commanding Officer, Member of the Armed Exhibition Drill Team, Color Guard Commander, Academic and Athletic Team member at Cooper City High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit from August 2017 to November 2017
Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Crystal Williams
For Meritorious Achievement while serving as Administrative Officer, Member of the Armed Exhibition Drill Team, Member of the Color Guard Team, Academic and Athletic Team member at Cooper City High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit from August 2017 to November 2017
Cadet Master Chief Petty Officer Abbigail Hodgson
For Meritorious Achievement while serving as Command Master Chief, Unarmed Team Member, Color Guard Team Member, and Athletic Team member at Cooper City High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit from August 2017 to November 2017
Promotions
Cadet Yzatis Arango
Cadet Michel Geha
Cadet Samuel Testa
Cadet Sophia Rastrelli
Cadet Paige Manta
Photo by Sarah Khan
