Cadets representing the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Program at Bloom Township High School recently visited CHSD170's Washington-McKinley and Kennedy Schools to present a program of armed and unarmed exhibitions to the school's eighth-grade students as an introduction to the NJROTC Program.
Bloom's NJROTC Program is under the daily instructional leadership of Naval Science Instructor LT Stacy L. Henderson-Shaw, USN (Retired), and Master Chief Richard Blaschuk, USN (Retired).
The Armed Exhibition Team members who took part in the program were: Victor Thomas, Jr. (Team Commander), Raphael Aikens (Unit Commanding Officer), Omar Garcia and LeeAndre Savage.
The Unarmed Exhibition Team members who participated were Diana Perez (Team Commander), Alondra Gonzalez, Crystal Rendon, Perla Islas, and Kaylannie Tovar.
Both the Armed and Unarmed Exhibition Teams performed a series of maneuvers demonstrating complex marching sequences that displayed both teamwork and the self-discipline of the team members.
"The cadets provided an interactive introduction to their organization while leading students through drills, describing the roles and responsibilities of members, and demonstrating many impressive skills," said Kennedy Principal Artis McCann.
"These students, some of whom were graduates of our school district, were able to present, engage, and teach our students so much! It was, indeed, a proud 170 experience."
Joseph Silvestri, an Assistant Principal at Washington-McKinley School who sponsored the visit in conjunction with Physical Education teacher Thomas Kocher, expanded upon McCann's words in discussing the program.
"It was an honor to have Bloom's NJROTC Drill team perform for our eighth-grade students," Silvestri said.
"It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to a program that they will have the opportunity to join when they attend Bloom High School," he said.
The goal of Navy JROTC is to instill in students the skills necessary for citizenship development. They engage in school and community service, physical fitness programs, gain an in-depth knowledge of military history and adhere to specific personal grooming standards.
The cadets compete in drill competitions throughout the year, and in Basic Leadership Training Mini-Boot Camps during the summer. These training programs develop the cadets' leadership and managerial skills.
Cadets also compete on Academic Teams and vie for Scholarships and National Awards, all of which will benefit them throughout their lives.
"The NJROTC is not a recruiting venture, but it is one that focuses on teamwork, responsibility, leadership, and citizenship development," said Henderson-Shaw.