BARNEGAT – Six years into the Barnegat JROTC program and its leader continues to bring his troops to special honors – with national recognition.
“I really want to commend all the cadets and CWO (James) Mackey,” said Mary Cammarata, Barnegat Township School District Supervisor of English Language Arts/Social Studies/Visual & Performing Arts. “The students have amazing opportunities that they didn’t have before CWO Mackey came in. I am really proud of the students and everything that you do for them.”
At Barnegat’s most recent Board of Education meeting, two sets of JROTC cadets received special acknowledgement. In the first group, three of the cadets earned scholarships that will help fund their continuing education.
Approximately a year and a half ago, a family member of one of the cadets shared information about a scholarship program dear to his heart. However, it was by pure happenstance that Barnegat Schools had the opportunity to compete for the Wounded Warriors Family Support Group’s scholarship initiative offered in conjunction with Microsoft team employees.
“The cadet’s family member knew their daughter was involved in our program,” Mackey shared. “However, we were only able to participate in the Wounded Warriors contest because another school never responded to them.”
Mackey personally thanked the Riccardelli family and relatives for referring the Barnegat JROTC program to the Wounded Warriors project.
Only nine schools of the thousands that offer JROTC programs nationally have the distinction of being part of the program offered by the Wounded Warriors and Microsoft. Branches of service represented include the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
“Three of our cadets were awarded $4,000 a piece in scholarship money,” said Mackey. “We were one of nine schools from California to New Jersey – and the only Navy school.”
The competition required the cadets to send in a video of an autobiographical nature, essentially detailing the story of their lives. Mackey said that Sophia Nieto, Devon Fauds and Joseph Krenkel certainly earned their scholarship awards.
“Perseverance is the word of the evening for all three of them,” Mackey said.
As far as their future aspirations, Sophia plans to go to nursing school and then enlist in the military. Joseph hasn’t decided what career he will ultimately pursue but is headed to college when he graduates from Barnegat High School.
According to Mackey, Devon will be taking steps to become a master electrician. And, while all three of the cadets possessed special skills, Mackey said Devon’s other involvement made him extra impressive.
“He’s really amazing,” Mackey shared. “Devon was a sea cadet, boy scout, and participated in Civil Air Patrol as ROTC. I don’t know where he finds all the time to do everything.”
After presenting each of the scholarship winners with a plaque, the cadets stood with Mackey, Board of Education President Sean O’Brien, and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Brian Latwis. Mackey then singled out additional JROTC cadets for their leadership skills.
Approximately 70 schools normally participate in a leadership academy at the Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island. Last year, the program was cancelled because of COVID and went virtual.
The success of the virtual training warranted its continuation with regular leadership training also put back in place this year.
“The mission of the leadership school is to basically provide topics specific to the developing leadership and management skills to operate a cadet led company or battalion,” said Mackey.
Cadets Ryan Dugan and Sara Riccardelli participated in the program this year which included training in organizational leadership, communications, and the eleven principles of leadership.
During the weeklong program, the cadets also received information on the culture of fitness and sexual harassment, especially in the classroom among the cadets. They learned about hazing, bullying, as well as the thorns and roses of social media.
“They had great speakers, including the Medal of Honor recipient, the former Master Chief of the Coast Guard Vince Patton, who served in the 1980s and 90s,” Mackay shared.
Cadet Selena May also participated in the leadership training but was unable to attend the Board of Education meeting.
“Friday, Selena received an $80,000 scholarship from Seton Hall,” said Mackey. “She had to work at band camp this year.”
Barnegat’s JROTC program comes with numerous success stories. Cadets have moved on to become members of all five services, including the New Jersey National Guard.
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