Last Wednesday, Brother Martin President, Mr. Gregory Rando ’77, CDR Kevin Smathers, and Senior Chief Petty Officer Romico Barnes presided over the NJROTC 57th Annual Change of Command and Awards Ceremony in the Robert M. Conlin Gymnasium on the campus of Brother Martin High School. The annual ceremony recognized outstanding cadets for their dedication to the Brother Martin NJROTC program this year. The ceremony started with an invitation for family, friends, and faculty to “pin on” the new ranks of Officers and Chief Petty Officers. The ceremony also followed a traditional military formation of gathering troops and presenting cadets to the reviewing officers and guests. Cadets were honored with awards for service from 18 military and community groups. Representatives from military organizations and supporters presented awards to cadets who excelled in leadership, participation, and academics.
The service awards started with the presentation of three scholarships from American Legion Post 307 for $2,000 each to current juniors returning to NJROTC next year. Cadets Cody J. Dalferes ‘26, William E. Peoples II ‘26, and Reece W. Bruchi ‘26 won the William Detweiler Memorial Scholarship for displaying the highest qualities of leadership, character, scholastic achievement, service in school and community, citizenship, patriotic values, and mentoring younger students.
The final award was presented on behalf of the Fontan family to Cadet Michael Trimber ‘29 as the Cadet of the Year. The Fontan Leadership and Courage award goes to the underclass cadet who distinguished himself as a leader amongst first-year cadets through superior academic performance, participation, and leadership. His academic excellence put him in the lead and exemplified the ideals of the NJROTC and Brother Martin.
The ceremony concluded with a Change of Command for all of the leadership positions. Mr. Rando, Brother Martin High School President, and CDR. Smathers presented a commemorative plaque and a U.S. flag flown during his command to the outgoing Commanding Officer, Cadet Lt. CDR. Graham Jacobson ‘26.
Following Navy Tradition, CDR Smathers ordered the new leaders to “Relieve the Watch.” Cadet Graham Jacobson ‘26 then relinquished his position to the incoming Commanding Officer, Cadet Lt. CDR Reece W. Bruchi ‘26.
The seniors were then called forward with their parents and supporters to receive the Mr. John Parent Award, recognizing the dedication and assistance of the senior parents throughout their sons’ time in the Brother Martin NJROTC.
2025-2026 Navy Junior ROTC Leaders:
