Brewster High School, known for producing talented, and dedicated students, has done it again. Working tirelessly, our very own Sofia LaRocca has made great strides within our NJROTC community through her incredible drive and dedication to our Air Rifle team and unit.

In NJROTC, we compete in a variety of competitions throughout the year, going on field trips occasionally to different states. We compete in Drill Meets, Air Rifle competitions, Orienteering competitions, Drone competitions, and the list continues to grow with every year our unit thrives. At these competitions, many cadets are able to show off their skills and attend. At our drill meets, which consist of a wide range of activities, roughly 60 cadets attend, every cadet competing on at least one of our many teams; Armed Drill, Unarmed Drill, Unarmed Exhibition Drill, Armed Exhibition Drill, Color Guard, Air Rifle, Physical Fitness, Drone, and Academics.

For the first time in our NJROTC history, we made it to several competitions that were held at the national, and area level. One of these competitions being Air Rifle Nationals, where Sofia traveled to A

labama to compete and represent our unit with pride.

Before making it to nationals, Sofia dedicated her heart and soul into several competitions, all of which she placed very highly in.

• Palmetto Games 2024: 1st place junior category
• Area Championships: 1st place
• SECNAV Competition: 4th place
• Hartford Nationals: 4th place

Sofia never disappoints: her dedication and commitment to air rifle always shines through in her competitions. She gives her all and works three days a week to perfect every aspect of the sport. On the days before her competitions, Sofia will practice until 5 pm, making sure she is set and ready to go.

At these elite competitions, Sofia competes against people from all over the world. All of these students have mastered the art of air rifle, which helps them attain the qualities of control, concentration, discipline, and precision. Sofia has learned, acquired, and demonstrated all of these qualities in not only her competitions but her everyday life.

After nailing it at the Palmetto Games and SECNAV competitions, Sofia had finally paved her path to Nationals. This is one of the greatest accomplishments our unit has seen, for the first time in our history we unlocked the door to Nationals, and Sofia was our key. Commending her outstanding abilities and commitment, she received a Certificate of Achievement from the Town of Southeast.

NJROTC, Navy Junior Officers Reserve Training Corp, has been known to encourage students to take action and explore things beyond their comfort zone, prompting them to try out something new. This program teaches students many leadership skills which create well-rounded, mature young adults. Our core values (Honor, Courage, and Commitment) end up rooting deep inside students’ hearts, teaching them what it really means to be a part of a team. Brewster’s NJROTC unit is a “Cadet Led, Cadet Driven” class. The focus is to help develop student leadership skills and provide them with opportunities to challenge themselves. These are the characteristics that Sofia has gained and demonstrated during her time here in Brewster NJROTC.

Sofia’s outstanding leadership qualities run far beyond her competitions. In our normal, everyday classes, Sofia continues to inspire others. She provides our cadets with knowledge, guidance, and motivation. Sofia inspires others to do their best, no matter how hard it seems or what stands in their way. Sofia stands as a role model for others, showing them that they are capable of doing whatever they set their heart to. Master Chief Michael Campbell believes Sofia is a true wonder, he states, “She is one of the most disciplined, driven, and focused cadets in the history of the unit.”

However, Sofia’s story in our NJROTC unit isn’t over just yet. Sofia has done it again, her love and admiration for the sport shining brightly as she continues to practice every week, preparing for her next competition. This year, Sofia spent her spring break in South Carolina, competing in the Marksmanship Competition at the Palmetto Games for the second year in a row. Sofia came in 1st place, securing another trip to Para-sport Nationals this summer, which is another step toward her dream of competing in the Paralympics.

Good luck Sofia! Bravo Zulu!