JROTC levels up

Posted byknightlifeobPosted inUncategorized
Julie Ivan shakes hands with Sanaya Dadia before delivering an award.

BY DAYAMI VILORIA

Social Media Director

On April 15, the JROTC hosted the third marking period Commanders’ Call, where various the JRROTC students achieved new ranks and awards.

The event began with the Presentation of Colors and announcements by Davyd Liashchuk and Nurayda Nizam. “After posting the colors and marching off, I felt pretty calm and relieved that it went well and that it was finished,” said junior Bannder Batres.

Students learned who would hold new positions for the next school year throughout the event. “Personally, the best part of the most recent commanders call was the announcement of new job positions for next year, and the change of command ceremony where our new Corps Commander was announced,” said sophomore Davyd Liashchuk.

Kamilah Oulahrir follows Julie Ivan during the passing of Squadron Commander.

As a sophomore, Dania Sanchez earned the role of Chief of Staff of NJ-20002ND. “I felt truly happy to have the opportunity to give back to the program that helped me find my voice, build confidence, and grow as a leader,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez earned the role alongside the other members of the Command Staff for 2026-27 Inora Faizulloeva, Maya Oliver, Emma Bullen, and Shlok Shukla. “Knowing that my new role is to lead by example makes me feel proud and excited to continue doing what I love,” said Sanchez.

Julie Ivan passed down the role of Squadron Commander to sophomore Kamilah Oulahrir, and announced Oulahrir as the new Squadron Commander. “It feels really good. I have worked hard for it, and I’m excited to lead and make a difference,” said Kamilah Oulahrir.

Miguel Goncalves salutes Vice Principal Richard Masarik.

Ivan gave her last speech as the Squadron Commander. “I was really grateful for the people I got to lead and work with, because they made the experience what it was,” said Ivan. “Looking back, I could see how much I had grown as a leader, and it made the moment really meaningful.”

ROTC students also earned their quarterly awards, including the ribbons for attendance, good conduct, dress, and appearance. “I was glad I was inducted into Honor Guard, and I was happy I got another dress and appearance ribbon,” said junior John Reklaitis.

Whether students continue in their positions or earn different ones, they remain ambitious and hopeful for the next year to come. “I feel excited for next year, and I’m hoping for great progress in my department,” said Liashchuk.

  • Julie Ivan and Kamilah Oulahrir stand next to one another during the Change of Command.
  • Squadron Commander for the 2026-2027 school year, Kamilah Oulahrir, stands in front of a projection of her new responsibilities during the Change of Command ceremony.

Posted on May 7, 2026

Photos by Dayami Viloria