Wildcat NJROTC Battalion Receive Top Scores at Annual Military Inspection

Posted Date: 12/18/24 (2:54 PM)

Reporting by Student Emelyn Payne ‘26
Photography by Students Emelyn Payne ‘26, Sidney Louis ‘27, Matthew Selsor ‘26

The Wildcat NJROTC Battalion presented for their Annual Military Inspection on Tuesday, December 17. It included an inspection of the Battalion as a whole, as well as a presentation and review of the several teams, events, and things that Wildcat NJROTC does. Several awards were also presented to cadets for their achievements.

Starting with the inspection, staff (the senior students in charge) were inspected by Chief Thiel and Commander Hall. Staff then inspected the cadets which included checking their uniform was in regulation and asking questions relating to general NJROTC knowledge.

After the inspection, several top seniors including Audrey Hart, Dylan Dietz, Lilly Grubbs, Victoria Zarate, Jack Murray, and Ronald Grabner delivered a presentation highlighting the OHHS NJROTC program. They discussed its improvements, including community service hours and tracking methods, showcased key events such as the Navy Ball and the Change of Command ceremony, and introduced the team commanders for the various NJROTC teams.

The commanders each shared information about their team including accomplishments, requirements for those on the team, and the future plans they have for their teams. Brayden Maltbie and Ronald Grabner shared about Color Guard, Andrew Uy and Ronald Grabner about Armed Drill, Ryder Hendrix about Coding, Zach Jones for the PT team, Xavier Reid for the Academic team, Wyatt Walter for Marksmanship, and Ana Santos and Alisha Jones for the Unarmed Drill team. One of the requirements for the teams is regular practice, which the importance of was emphasized by Leland Hutton who said “Practice like how you perform, or perform like how you practice.”

NJROTC Area 23 Manager Quidachay commended the Battalion for the work they’ve done and asked “What’s the thing about Oak Harbor?” in reference to the distinct skills OHHS NJROTC displays throughout their teams and achievements.

Twenty-three underclassmen received the Outstanding Cadet award for their performance during inspection, which was followed by the Cadet Achievement Ribbon given to twelve students for their leadership.

The Unarmed Drill team and Armed Drill team both performed their impressive routines that showcased just how much effort and work they put into it.

Finally, the Battalion as a whole marched out and gave honor to those who watched including Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Assistant Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom, Principal Nate Salisbury, Marksmanship Coach Gehrman, and Commander Quidachay.

NRJOTC student shaking hands with Assistant Superintendent Dwight Lundstrom