By Avi Rana

The PHS ROTC program has always been a great place to learn and grow, but it is being recognized by those outside Passaic as well. The Distinguished Unit Award is the highest unit commendation that can be earned by any

NJROTC Program. Earning this award at any time is a great accomplishment, but earning it during 2020-2021 is a major feat because of the distance learning and the challenging times this year.

“The Cadets are the backbone of our program,” said Senior Chief McMaster. We have all seen the pride that the Cadets of the ROTC exhibit during the year and they have continued during the pandemic lockdowns. The Cadets have continued to work and thrive during th lockdown and during this entire school year, causing as little disruption as possible to the program.

Senior Chief McMaster, Chief Constant, Chief Diaz and Chief Quito would also like to recognize and thank the school administrators, faculty and staff for supporting the program and making it as welcome as possible at PHS. The ROTC certainly contributes to the culture of PHS and we are proud to have them.

“The program has given me a lot over the years and I am proud to be a part of it,” said senior Steve Cedeno.
Other student leaders are Cadet Jocelyn Pimentel, Cadet Juan Orozco, and Cadet Jocelyn Carpinteyro.

Congratulations goes to them for leading their fellow students and helping to achieve this honor. It would not have been possible without them.

If any student is interested in being part of something special, learning a lot and having some fun doing it, then join the ROTC at PHS. If they can win the Distinguished Unit Award during the pandemic, imagine what they can do next year when we are all meeting back in person.