GROTON, Conn. – Members of Fitch’s NJROTC program were recently promoted during their fall awards ceremony, inspection, and promotion.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13 the NJROTC held their promotion and awards ceremony, during which new ranks and awards were presented to 20 cadets. The ceremony was held in the Ftich Gymnasium, and Principal Matthe Brown joined CPO River Skidgel and Cadet LCDR Victor Wilbur in bestowing the honors upon the cadets. During the ceremony, 16 cadets were promoted to the rank of Seaman Apprentice, a first step in the Navy’s NJROTC program for advancement.  

¨I´m very happy with the ceremony,” said Naval Science instructor and program adviser Terance Henkle. “Cadet LCDR Victor Wilbur and Cadet LT Alex Knets were instrumental in planning and organizing this event.¨ said Naval Science instructor Terance Henkle.

“The program fosters cadets taking an active role in leadership within the program and they did an excellent job,¨ Henkle said.

Sofia De la Cruz and Nathan Detmer were promoted to Seaman for their excellent leadership qualities during (BLT). Some others were promoted including Bryson Frye, who was promoted to Seaman, and Lanee Thomas, who was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class. 

¨The ceremony was really good,¨ said Audrey Frank. ¨I thought it was really fun to show my family what I had learned, and not moving at all and showing no emotion.¨ 

Henkle started the program at Fitch last year, and he currently has over 20 active members.