By Simon Quispe
Some classes are taken just to get a credit or satisfy a requirement. Then there are the classes that can change the way you look at and conquer your life. ROTC is one of those adventures.
We would like to invite you to join the NJROTC program here at PHS. As a military-based organization, we offer a competitive environment, where students can develop leadership skills and discipline. This is accomplished through classroom instruction, of course. But it is also accomplished through simulation training, each Friday.
The program is an excellent way for students to get their college paid for as well. They have the chance to achieve higher grades in and have fun doing it. I don’t want to leave that part out. It is work, but it is also fun.
One of the best and major reasons for students to join is NJROTC Nationals. “This is something your cadets will talk about for decades!” says the nationals website. They remain the most comprehensive test of overall NJROTC training and performance in existence today. No competition in the world provides a better test of all-around program quality and esprit-de-corps than the “Navy Nationals.”
This year, PHS came in fourth overall out of a great number of schools. These events boost confidence and demonstrate that PHS is not only becoming the best, we are already there in so many ways.
A week after the 2022 Rancocoas HS Drill Meet, the newly-formed Two-Manned Armed Exhibition team, with less than a month of practice, managed to place second in that category. This was not an accident, however; this was due to the intense work and dedication of the team members and leaders.
The New Cadet Squad, having not placed previously for this 2021-2022 Drill Season, also brought home a trophy. That is how we become the best, by continuing to try and improve over time.
“I am very proud and I think it was well deserved,” said Chief Quito. He added, “I feel we’re on the right path, as we competed against a very challenging group of schools in those categories.”
PHS outperformed eight other high schools. This year’s strong placements followed the unit scoring outstanding in every category for the virtual Annual Military Inspection. Even with the lack of competitions due to the cancellations during the Covid-19 distance learning, the PHS cadets didn’t lose hope and showed resilience in their excellence.
Senior Chief McMaster said, “It was a gallant performance because this was the second meet we competed in for this drill year. Despite all the difficulties we faced earlier in the year, our cadets managed to pull through. I am so proud of our cadets.”
Despite this being Cadet Christopher Meraz and Cadet Jose Vasquex’s first time competing in the Two-Man Armed Exhibition category, they managed to make us all proud. Meraz said the help from former cadets definitely helped them get far. Above all, their willpower and determination paved the way to success.
That is the best part of joining ROTC because the team spirit is with those who are performing. Even if you are in the two-man competition there is a whole support team of cadets behind you.
Cadet Petty Officer Laura Urtarte also brought back an individual award, but we are all part of the success of this individual. She beat out over 200 cadets and earned first place in knockout.
Chief Quito said, “We prepared for this very moment, and we were excited to see our work pay off. We will continue to improve in hopes of placing in more competitions next year.”
So with more competitions to compete in next year, think about what you should do and how you can be a part of something bigger than yourself. Have fun, enjoy your time here at PHS and be a part of the group that is helping to make us the best!!
