Manchester Students Complete NJROTC Leadership Course

MANCHESTER, NJ — A pair of Manchester Township High School students spent two weeks at a leadership program in Rhode Island, the district announced.

Simon Trzepizur and Ja'Keveon Jones, who are members of the district's NJROTC, completed the two-week NJROTC Leadership Academy and Sail Training (LA/ST) in Newport, Rhode Island, from June 27 to July 8.

The Leadership Academy is designed to prepare juniors and seniors for leadership positions in their school's NJROTC, the district said.

"It is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding, but a very rewarding experience," officials said. " Only the top candidates are recommended for the training.

Officials said the main objective is to prepare cadets to be the leaders the following school year, "someone who can come in and supervise, organize and train other unit members."

To complete the academy, Trzepizur and Jones had to pass a physical fitness test and a series of practical leadership activities, officials said.

The activities include "Leadership Characteristics for the Cadet Officer, Physical Fitness and the Leader, Field Leadership (orienteering), Obstacle Course, Commanding Troops, Inspecting Troops, Sword Manual, and Social Etiquette and Manners," according to the academy.

The Sail Academy teaches the cadets to sail small boats through classroom and hands-on instruction, and students earn a small boat sailing certification from U.S. Sailing or U.S. Naval Sailing Association.