Senior varsity athlete chosen to command more than 600 cadets as Linden High School begins a new chapter in student leadership

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — When more than 600 cadets of the world's largest Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) unit return to Linden High School next month, they will look to a new commander to lead them.

Cadet Captain Maria Marquez, a senior who also competes in varsity soccer, wrestling, and flag football, officially assumed command of the internationally recognized program during Linden High School's 40th Annual NJROTC Awards and Change of Command Ceremony on June 9, succeeding outgoing Regimental Commanding Officer Cadet Captain Daniel Quiceno.

The ceremony, held in the Linden High School auditorium, followed one of the Navy's most revered traditions—the Change of Command—a formal transfer of authority that symbolizes continuity of leadership, accountability, and responsibility. Before fellow cadets, families, alumni, veterans, and school officials, Quiceno formally relinquished command as Marquez accepted responsibility for leading one of the nation's premier student leadership programs.

Joining Marquez on the 2026–27 Regimental Staff are Cadet Commander Liliani Carabali as Regimental Executive Officer, Cadet Master Chief Petty Officer Ethan Hodasi as Regimental Command Master Chief, and Cadet Commander Elvia Duong as Regimental Operations Officer.

As Regimental Commanding Officer, Marquez will oversee the leadership, training, and development of the Linden High School cadet corps while helping preserve the tradition of excellence that has made the program a national model for leadership, citizenship, academic achievement, and community service.