Senior ROTC Cadets. Photo Courtesy of Aleyshka Barbosa.

By Aleyshka Barbosa ‘19

As the 2017-2018 school year comes to an end, and influx of goodbyes roll in, to all the things students have held close to for four years.

A traditional event that takes place in the United States Navy, also takes place in our very own NJROTC- change of command. Where the senior cadets leave their positions and new students fill in the shoes they have left. This year NJROTC senior cadets say goodbye to the program that has changed them for the better, who has molded them to be a better person.

“I would like to thank all of the instructors of the NJROTC program and all the cadets that have made me the leader that I am today.” – Cadet Captain Laisa Peralta

“This program helped me a lot during my four years of high school. I can’t imagine where I would be if I didn’t join. I met my best friend and great people, I will always remember.” – Cadet Lieutenant Commander Alexander Aquino

“I’m grateful to have met everyone and I hold dearly everyone that I’ve come across throughout these years. I wish everyone the best and know they will be beside each and everyone of each other no matter what.” – Cadet Lieutenant Commander Adrian Salas

This year the NJROTC program not only says goodbye to the senior cadets who are about to take on the world, but also a dearly loved Naval Science Instructor. First Class Petty Officer Nuyen will be retiring this year after 22 years of molding the lives of students in the PHS NJROTC. Ready to take on the new chapter of his life, PHS and all NJROTC cadets wish him all the best in what’s to come.