RHS NJROTC Annual Pass-In-Review and Inspection

(December 17, 2007 – Riverhead, NY) The RHS N.J.R.O.T.C. under the direction of its instructors Lt. Col. Peter G. McCarthy and Chief Gunner’s Mate James R. Finch and under the command of Commanding Officer Carissa Woerner underwent its Annual Pass-In-Review and Inspection by N.J.R.O.T.C. Area 4 Manager Retired U.S. Navy Commander Joseph W. Hankins.

The N.J.R.O.T.C. Program at Riverhead High School began in 1974 as a satellite unit from Southold High School. In 1976, the Riverhead N.J.R.O.T.C. received its own charter. In 33 years of existence, the Riverhead N.J.R.O.T.C. Unit has become well known throughout the ten northeastern states of area four.

Instructor Lt. Col. Peter G. McCarthy greeted the family and guests at the Review and thanked Superintendent Dr. Diane B. Scricca, Principal David Zimbler and the Board of Education for their support. He explained, “The unit promotes leadership development, self-discipline, physical fitness, teamwork and community service. Cadets participate in a variety of activities such as drill competitions, air rifle, physical fitness outings, community service, military orientation trips, and social events such as the annual military ball. RHS cadets have earned numerous unit and individual citations, awards, and trophies at area and national armed and unarmed drill, academic and athletic competitions.”

His remarks were followed by drill team demonstrations and an awards ceremony recognizing those cadets who won Exemplary Personal Appearance ribbons. In addition, at this year’s Awards Ceremony, Cadet Petty Officer First Class Matthew Suprina received the “Cadet Achievement ribbon for meritorious achievement in the performance of duties as a first responder in a medical emergency on May 19, 2007, while on a field trip to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia.”

His citation read in part, “Cadet Suprina went to the aid of a young girl, who became ill while eating at the food court. While seated with his classmates, Cadet Suprina notice the young had fallen and not recovered. He immediately moved to the scene to determine if he could help. The mother told him that her daughter suffered from an adrenalin deficiency and she immediately required a shot in order to recover. Due to the mother’s emotional distress, she was unable to administer the injection herself, and with the mother’s approval, Cadet Suprina took the initiative to administer the required shot in accordance with the mother’s direction. Simultaneously, he requested medical help. Cadet Suprina’s quick thinking, heroic action helped save the young girl’s life . . . Cadet Suprina’s actions reflected great credit upon himself, his school, and his unit.”

Riverhead High School N.J.R.O.T.C. has earned the Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET) Distinguished High School unit award for 2001/2002 and 2002/2003. It has also won the CNET Unit Achievement Award; as well as being named as the most improved unit in the area and 3rd most improved in the nation for school year 2004-2005. RHS N.J.R.O.T.C earned the Distinguished Unit Award for being one of the top 15 out of 54 schools in Area 4 for the years 2005/2006 and 2006/2007.

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