Freshman Recruits Discover Possibilities Through Linden NJROTC

Three-day summer orientation blends leadership, academic preparation and hands-on training as 110 incoming students begin their transition into cadets.

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ (Aug. 20) — Relay races, drone demonstrations and a spirited tug-of-war gave incoming freshmen an energetic introduction to Linden High School’s NJROTC program during a three-day orientation designed to turn uncertainty into confidence — and recruits into cadets.

The optional Freshman Summer Orientation, held Aug. 18-20, drew 110 students, signaling tremendous interest in Linden’s program, the largest high school NJROTC unit in the world.

Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins visited on the opening day and encouraged the freshmen to build upon the important first step they had already taken: showing up and exploring what NJROTC could offer them.

Through classroom instruction, cadet testimonials and hands-on activities, students learned about the leadership opportunities, academic support and camaraderie that distinguish the program.

“Watching them step outside their comfort zones, take initiative and simply show up has been one of the most rewarding parts of the orientation,” said Cadet Commanding Officer Maria Marquez.

Preparing for High School

The orientation was designed to help incoming students make a smooth, confident and successful transition into both high school and NJROTC.

Along with learning the program’s customs, traditions and values, freshmen received guidance on goal setting, time management, note-taking, test preparation, self-motivation and staying focused amid distractions.

Each morning combined physical fitness training with classroom instruction, team-building exercises and interactive demonstrations. Students experienced air rifle routines, Color Guard instruction, physical training and drone operations while learning about the unit’s various departments.

Leading the activities were the program’s top four cadet leaders: Marquez; Executive Officer Lilliani Carabali; Operations Officer Elvia Duong; and Command Master Chief Ethan Hodasi.

Becoming More

Friendly competitions — including musical chairs, relay races and tug-of-war — helped students relax, step outside their comfort zones and begin forming the bonds central to the NJROTC experience.

“To put it simply, ROTC is a betterment program designed to make our students more than they were when they entered,” said Senior Naval Science Instructor Commander Boyd Decker.

By the end of the three days, recruits who had arrived unsure of what to expect were stepping forward, taking initiative and beginning to see themselves as part of something larger.