On Saturday, March 24, over 100 Cadets from Brother Martin’s NJROTC Crusader Company gathered with their dates and honored guests celebrating the 51st Annual Military Ball. Unlike any other Military Ball the Brother Martin NJROTC has hosted, the evening was full of eventful surprises with a touch of Navy tradition throughout. The Ball started with the introduction of the senior Cadets and their guests under the sword arch along with a formal introduction, with military honors, of Commander Bruce Nolan ‘90, US Navy (Retired), Chief Petty Officer Terry Necaise, US Navy (Retired) and Principal Ryan Gallagher ‘00. The Crusader Company was also privileged to welcome honored guests, Mr. Greg Brown ‘80, Mrs. Gabrielle Macaluso, Assistant Vice Principal for Student Services and Principal Gallagher to the dinner tables.
The Military Ball was set-up quite different this year with a formal dining experience before the events and dancing. Our NJROTC Cadets and their guests were able to experience a truly traditional Navy ‘Military Ball’ event. The dinner was led by prayer with the NJROTC Chaplain Cadet Brandon Bonvillain. Throughout the dinner, there were ‘toasts’ given to different people and cheers spread throughout the crowd. The guests were having a ball!
After the formal introduction and dinner was served, Cadet Daniel Nail, who is the youngest Cadet, presented a cake to 
all of the guests. In keeping with tradition, the Company Commander and his date made the first cut with the Commander’s sword offering the first piece to the youngest Cadet. The ceremony highlighted the traditions and customs of the Military Ball similar to those celebrated by all Armed Services throughout the world.
Cadets and guests then broke from the formality of the ceremony to enjoy a delicious cake, entertainment, and dancing. The Crusader Company is also celebrating its 51st year as one of the oldest Navy JROTC programs in the country. The new staff is looking forward to continuing the traditions set down by each class and growing the program to become stronger each year.
The NJROTC program is under the guidance of Cmdr. Bruce Nolan ‘90, US Navy (Retired) and Chief Petty Officer Terry Necaise, US Navy (Retired). On Wednesday, April 11 at 2:10 p.m., the Crusader Company will hold their annual Annual Change of Command and Awards Ceremony in the Backyard. Family, friends, and alumni are welcome to attend in celebration of a great year!
2018 Military Ball
