Brother Martin NJROTC "Relieves the Watch," 2022 Change of Command

On Friday, April 1, Brother Martin Principal, Mr. Ryan Gallagher ’00, Cmdr. Bruce Nolan ’90, and Senior Chief Petty Officer Romico Barnes presided over the NJROTC 54th Annual Change of Command and Awards Ceremony in the backyard on the campus of Brother Martin High School. The annual ceremony recognized outstanding cadets for their performance and 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 that excelled in leadership, participation, and academics.

The service awards started with the presentation of three scholarships for $2,000 each to current juniors returning to NJROTC next year. Cadets Lennox Brown ’23, David Parra ’23, and Devin St. Clair ’23 won the American Legion Ed Brauner Post 307 – Bill 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 awards were presented on behalf of the Fontan family to Cadet Graham Jacobson ’26 as the 2022 Cadet of the Year. The Fontan Leadership and Courage awards go to the underclass cadet that distinguished themself as a leader amongst first-year cadets through superior academic performance, participation, and leadership. Normally, this award goes to a single cadet. Despite the multiple candidates, Cadet Jacobson’s 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. The outgoing Commanding Officer, Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Christian Schneller ’22 was presented with his commemorative plaque and a flag flown over the Nation’s Capitol building.

Following Navy Tradition, Cmdr. Nolan ordered the new leaders to “Relieve the Watch.” Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Christian Schneller ’22 then relinquished his position to the incoming Commanding Officer Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Lennox Brown ’23.

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.

Mr. Gallagher spoke to all the cadets about the challenges of being leaders during this year of rebuilding. “The seniors provided excellent leadership to rebuild you back from our challenging times. Next year’s leaders will continue to build on that work and take you even further. You should all be proud to be a part of this organization.” Bravo Zulu to the Class of 2022 and congratulations to our new leaders and award recipients!

Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Leadership: Cadet Christian Schneller ’22
American Legion Military Excellence Medal: Cadet Beau Robinson ’22
American Veterans Rotc Recognition Award: Cadet Journey Harris ’22
Capt. Samuel Nicholas Award from USMC Support Group: Cadet William Pejic ’25
Order of Daedalian JROTC Achievement Award: Cadet Devin St. Clair ’23
Daughters Of The American Revolution ROTC Medal: Cadet Andrew Rupp ’22
Fleet Reserve Association: Cadet Sebastian Gonzales ’22
Knights Of Columbus, 4th Degree, NJROTC Patriotic Award: Cadet Marc Graffeo ’22
Military Officers Association Of America Medal: Cadet David Parra ’22
Military Order Of The Purple Heart Award: Cadet Lennox Brown ’23
Military Order Of World Wars JROTC Award Of Merit: Cadet Dominick Maddie ’24
National Sojourners Award: Cadet Enzo Antonio Foster ’24
Naval Helicopter Association JROTC Award: Cadet Zachary Rochon ’22
Navy League Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal For NJROTC: Cadet Sean Lagrange ’24
Reserve Officers Association Cadet Leadership Medal: Cadet Tyler Gaubert ’22
Scottish Rite Association: Cadet Noah Mooney ’25
Sons Of American Revolution: Cadet Landon Merritt ’22
Veterans Of Foreign Wars ROTC Medal: Cadet Christian Schneller ’22
Patrick Casey Manale ’82 Outstanding Junior Officer: Cadet Benjamin Code ’23
Patrick Casey Manale ’82 Outstanding Senior Enlisted: Cadet Lennox Brown ’23
Petty Officer of the Year: Cadet Carlos Fernandez ’25
Platoon of the Year: 4th Platoon commanded by Cadet Ensign Andrew Rupp ’22 and Cadet CPO Sean Lagrange ’24
Chief Jacques Fontan Leadership and Courage award, Cadet of the Year: Cadet Graham Jacobson ’26

Commanding Officer: Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Lennox Brown ’23
Executive Officer: Cadet Lt. Devin St. Clair ’23
Command Master Chief: Cadet Master Chief David Parra ’23
Administration Officer: Cadet Lt. j.g. Josh Peltier ’23
Operations Officer: Cadet Lt. j.g. Benjamin Code ’23
Supply Officer: Cadet Lt. j.g. Michael Hardeman ’23
Platoon Commanders: Cadet Ensign Enzo Foster ’24, Cadet Ensign Sean Lagrange ’24, Cadet Ensign Dominick Maddie ’24, Cadet Ensign Patrick Ridge ’24.