Celebrate Your Senior! Dedicated NJROTC Officer Enlists In Navy

MATTITUCK, NY —For so many students who should have been enjoying senior year with prom, graduation, and other milestone events, the coronavirus crisis has meant that sadly, dreams and long-awaited celebrations have been put on hold.

Patch would like to shine a light on these amazing young people and their accomplishments; a new series "Celebrate Your Senior!" launched this week, inviting proud parents and others to spotlight the young people whose accomplishments can't be derailed by coronavirus.

Terri Park nominated her daughter Rachel Park, a member of Mattituck High School's Class of 2020.

"Rachel is an outstanding student and has performed extremely well throughout her academic years at Mattituck High School, including becoming a member of the National Honor Society," she told Patch. "However, it is not only her academic achievements, but her selfless dedication to the community, that truly sets Rachel apart. She has served tirelessly while inspiring others to do the same."

Rachel's spirit is exemplary; she has volunteered for well over 1000 hours of community service, with over half of those hours being individual service, Park said.

"Among the beneficiaries of her generosity are the Cutchogue Fire Department and the greater North Fork community; seniors for whom she has provided caregiving and comfort; and the Suffolk County Department of Heath's suicide prevention peer education program," she said.

Among her many extracurricular activities, Rachel graduated from and was recognized as an “Honor Cadet” at the Norwich University Future Leader Camp; she also graduated Leadership Academy at the Newport Naval Station, her family said.

Rachel showed her school spirit as co-captain of the cheerleading squad and was Mattituck High School’s representative for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program, Park said.

Rachel is currently the Battalion Commanding Officer for the Mattituck-Southold-Greenport Navel Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps.

During her NJROTC career she has participated on several drill teams, as well as the Air Rifle Team.

"NJROTC students that participate in drill competition sacrifice their weekends to represent the unit, Park said. "Rachel was ready, willing and able to travel on the school bus that typically departed at 3 a.m. Saturday mornings. The discipline and dedication, which are a result of her life experiences, have helped solidify her future path."

Rachel has enlisted in the United States Navy as an intelligence specialist.

"Her dedication, that is displayed on a daily basis to community and country, is just a small part of what makes Rachel amazing. Her family is so very proud and excited for her next adventure in life," Park said.

Congratulations, Rachel Park!

To be included in "Celebrate Your Senior!" send photos and a description of why you're nominating your senior to be featured in a Patch post to Lisa.Finn@patch.com. Tell them why you're proud of them and all they've accomplished. Let's celebrate our amazing kids!