Why You Should March To NJROTC
JaMonet Rice
JaMonet Rice
With the school year starting to set in, many students are looking for clubs and activities where they can learn new skills, meet new people, and ultimately add to the high school experience. There are several language clubs (Latin, Spanish, and French) if one is interested in foreign language. There is Beta Club and National Honor Society for students who devote a lot of their time to academic success. Whether it’s an interest in the arts, film, or even the environment, Hillgrove has a place for everybody. If you are not sure about what you are interested in, and you are looking for something to be passionate about, the NJROTC might be the place for you.
The pathway was established in 2009, about three years after Hillgrove was founded. Since then NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) is a pathway that Hillgrove offers for people interested about the history of the military, its protocols, and so much more. Even though the pathway does have military influence, it does not mean all recipients of the program join the military after graduation. “I wanted to do weight training but cheerleaders weren’t allowed to do weight training so I decided to do NJROTC,” says Erin Hillsman, a sophomore and recruiting office. Within the NJROTC program, there are many activities and teams one can join. “Were not just another club, we’re like almost a sport. We compete just as hard as lacrosse players, basketball players, and football players.", says Jason Rodriguez, a sophomore and press liaison for the unit. There is orienteering, an outdoor activity that allows students to navigate through the woods with a compass and a map, then there’s drill team, in which participants can engage in stepping, marching, or marching with a rifle. The program even has its own naval science academic team, which consists of four members and an alternate and they compete in local competitions.
The NJROTC is currently the holder of two out of the four state championships and they believe that the success will continue. “We had two state championships last year and this year we have a lot of dedicated people.”, says Erin Hillsman. Overall, this program seems all about hard-work, skill-building, and having another family. Here is to the NJROTC and their future success.
The pathway was established in 2009, about three years after Hillgrove was founded. Since then NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) is a pathway that Hillgrove offers for people interested about the history of the military, its protocols, and so much more. Even though the pathway does have military influence, it does not mean all recipients of the program join the military after graduation. “I wanted to do weight training but cheerleaders weren’t allowed to do weight training so I decided to do NJROTC,” says Erin Hillsman, a sophomore and recruiting office. Within the NJROTC program, there are many activities and teams one can join. “Were not just another club, we’re like almost a sport. We compete just as hard as lacrosse players, basketball players, and football players.", says Jason Rodriguez, a sophomore and press liaison for the unit. There is orienteering, an outdoor activity that allows students to navigate through the woods with a compass and a map, then there’s drill team, in which participants can engage in stepping, marching, or marching with a rifle. The program even has its own naval science academic team, which consists of four members and an alternate and they compete in local competitions.
The NJROTC is currently the holder of two out of the four state championships and they believe that the success will continue. “We had two state championships last year and this year we have a lot of dedicated people.”, says Erin Hillsman. Overall, this program seems all about hard-work, skill-building, and having another family. Here is to the NJROTC and their future success.