If you’ve ever wondered what happens when polished shoes, perfectly pressed uniforms, and enough ribbons to stock a craft store all gather in one place, NJROTC Awards Night has the answer. On this special evening, cadets traded their usual classroom routines for a night of recognition, celebration, and just a little bit of nervous anticipation. Between the applause, proud families, and the occasional struggle to walk across the stage without tripping, the ceremony highlighted the hard work, leadership, and dedication that the Brewster NJROTC cadets have demonstrated throughout the year. Awards Night wasn’t just about earning ribbons and medals—it was about honoring the commitment and teamwork that make this unit successful.

Our ceremony began with our very own colorguard, commanded by Grace Campbell, for a presentation of our nation’s colors. Following this, our 2025-2026 Commanding Officer Danna Hernandez led us through all of the achievements of the school year in each team from orienteering, to drill, then drone and rocketry, recognizing the achievements of every cadet.

We then carried on to the platoon awards, recognizing six cadets. (See table on page 8 for the names of all those recognized.) Next in the program was the ranking up part. Every cadet has the opportunity to rank up before Awards Night through completing sections of their PQS. This year, we had the amazing opportunity to rank up six cadets and recognize their hard work and accomplishments. We then carried on to our meritorious promotions of the night which recognized seven cadets. These are reserved for those who go above and beyond, committing themselves to various aspects of the unit and embodying our core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The Awards/Ribbon portion of the night was next. This is the portion that recognizes the individual cadets and their hard work throughout the school year. The Honor Cadet ribbon is awarded to a single cadet in each grade level who is committed to scholastic excellence, and the ceremony recognized four such cadets. Next was the Distinguished Cadet ribbon, which is another award given to a single cadet in each grade level that holds the highest overall scholastic standing. That was then followed up by the individual awards.

It was at this point in time that the Change of Command ceremony took place. The past Commanding Officer Danna Hernandez is relieved by the new Commanding Officer Juliet Bryggman, signifying that the new command has now taken place, and that seniors are now relieved of their duties.

As the final awards were presented and the last round of applause echoed through the room, NJROTC Awards Night came to a close. The evening celebrated not only the medals and certificates earned, but also the dedication, leadership, and teamwork that cadets displayed throughout the year. While some left with arms full of awards and others left with sore hands from clapping, every cadet contributed to the success of the unit in their own way, and every cadet left with their hearts filled with closure and content. As another year comes to an end, the ceremony served as a reminder that hard work pays off—and that shining shoes and memorizing drill commands are, apparently, good for something after all.

It is difficult to put into words what Master Chief Michael Campbell has meant to this unit over the past seven years. His leadership was more than a title—it was a constant source of strength, guidance, and inspiration through every success and every challenge. The lessons he taught reached far beyond drill, discipline, and leadership; they shaped our character and prepared us for the obstacles we will face throughout our lives. Though his time here has come to an end, the impact he leaves behind will remain in every cadet who had the privilege of learning from him. As we say goodbye, we do so with profound gratitude and respect, knowing that the standard he set will continue to guide us long after he is gone. We promise you, we will not quit until we are properly relieved.

ROTC cadets and their families gather to be recognized for their accomplishments during the 2025-26 school year.