Get To Know Us
​
CPT. Yarubi Fernandez
Commanding Officer and Assistant Drill Commander
Yarubi Fernandez, the commanding officer of 2024-2025 of Graphics campus NJROTC, is a strong extrovert who is from Brooklyn, NY. She comes from a family that originated from the Dominican Republic. Yarubi's first language is Spanish but she's also fluent in English. She wants to become an astronomer in the future. In two years from now she wants to attend Florida university or Central Florida University . In NJROTC Yarubi is a part of the cadet staff/ chain of command where she is the assistant drill commander. In drill she helps conduct practice with the help of his department head. Not only that, but she is also a part of the unarmed and armed platoon, along with the color guard and inspection team. Her first drill competition/meet was on March 22, 2022 in Rancocas, New Jersey. In May of that same year, she was promoted to a cadet lieutenant junior grade. The following year, she was a part of several more drill competitions/meets, including one in Bethel, Connecticut and Passaic, New Jersey. Yarubi Fernandez has acquired a variety of ribbons, which include Cadet achievement,(Aptitude),(unit Achievement,(leadership training) , (Exemplary conduct),(Exemplary personal appearance), STEM, NSI,II, and III outstanding cadet, Physical Fitness ribbon, (Participation),(Unit service),(Community service), (Drill team),(Color guard),(Recruiting), and (Sea cruise). Overall, Yarubi Fernandez is a hard working and diligent cadet, who seeks nothing but prosperity and success in due regards toward her unit and herself. She continues to maintain those values and is one of the most prestigious cadets Graphics Campus NJROTC has ever seen.
CDR. Xavier Smith
Executive Officer
During his sophomore year, Xavier Smith joined the Navy JROTC program with a desire to pursue a military career upon graduation. He was determined to make it happen by taking that initial step towards enrollment in the JROTC program. At the beginning of his year in the program he felt somewhat nervous as he was unfamiliar with his peers and struggled with communication. As time passed by throughout the year he was introduced to the drill team. That moment marked a turning point in his JROTC journey as he gained confidence and developed leadership skills while serving on the drill team. He showed commitment to contributing to the Navy JROTC unit through involvement in community service, and other related events. Participating in such events made him feel a sense of fulfillment and pride in his accomplishments. His dedication and efforts have earned him ribbons and medals. By the end of 2023 he had reached the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class earning a total of 4 ribbons and 1 medal. Those awards were; Participation, Community Service, Unit Service, Orienteering and a military excellence medal. Impressively in just a few months he had achieved 4 ribbons, a promotion and a medal. His dedication and diligence did not waver, he remained committed to excelling within his unit and showcasing his determination. He’d attend drill competitions on the weekends and spend more of his time afterschool helping out new recruits who needed help. His primary goal was to make his time in the unit as helpful as possible. His hard work and perseverance was seen by the instructors. He was then offered an opportunity to attend the Northeastern NJROTC leadership training/boot camp. 2 weeks later, he graduated and received the leadership cord. It was then determined that he was in for something big. He was offered the opportunity to become the Executive Officer of the regiment of 400+ cadets. Hearing the offer sounded absurd, considering he was only a Petty Officer First class. But he underestimated himself. He had the knowledge of an upperclassmen, he was very bright and intelligent. He accepted the offer and was then given assignments as the new Executive Officer of Graphics Campus. Shortly after, he was promoted to C/Commander. Now 2024, he has a total of 21 ribbons and is expected to earn more.
MCPO. Paulina Ocampo
Command Master Chief
Regiment Command Master Chief, Paulina Ocampo, a Colombian-Mexican born in New York City comes from a family who immigrated to this country looking for opportunities & better lives. When Paulina was accepted to Stephen T Mather arts & craftsmanship high school, a school located on the Graphics Campus, she never knew the path that would lie ahead for her. She signed up for NJROTC thinking nothing of it. As the school year progress Paulina was chosen to be class leader for her NJROTC period. She rose to the challenge because she wanted to be the best. The year continued and Paulina was promoted to a Petty Officer Third Class. This was a milestone for Paulina as she had worked hard to prove she was meant to be in NJROTC. Towards the end of the school year, Paulina joined staff and drill. At the end of the year ceremony, Paulina was awarded a ROTC military excellence medal. Paulina learned the drill movements wanting to improve her position in NJROTC. On the last day of school Paulina was promoted to an Ensign and to Assistant Public Affairs officer. She was extremely proud of herself and knew she could take the role on. Entering her sophomore year, Paulina became very involved in her department. She updated the NJROTC website, the NJROTC instagram page, the Chain of Command bulletin board, the drill bulletin board, the staff family bulletin board, the training bulletin board, the “Our Future Hero’s” bulletin board, and the trip’s board. Her sophomore year during the end of the year ceremony, Paulina was awarded with another medal for Excellent Performance of Duty. Entering junior year, Paulina had very high hopes of becoming apart of her top 3 leaders. Paulina worked hard her junior year by participating in every drill competition and becoming apart of an all women color guard. Paulina and her team won multiple trophies. At the end of the year ceremony, Paulina was promoted to Command Master chief of her unit and also got awarded another medal. Paulina’s ribbons include; Honor Cadet, Cadet Achievement, Unit Achievement, Aptitude, NSI 3 Outstanding Cadet, NSI 2 Outstanding Cadet, NSI 1 Outstanding Cadet, Exemplary Conduct, Academic Team, Exemplary Personal Appearance, Participation, Unit Service, Recruiting, Drill Team, Color Guard, Orienteering, Community Service and Sea Cruise.
CPT. Caden Andre Fajardo
Adjutant
Caden Andre Fajardo of Graphics Campus Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps was born in Queens, New York and comes from a family with a military/police history. Many of his uncles served in the US military, along with the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada. He began his time in JROTC when he first entered Stephen T. Mather Arts and Craftsmanship High School as a freshman in 2021. While in the program, he participated in the drill team in December, and was promoted to Cadet Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) in March of the following year. After participating in his first ever drill competition/meet in Rancocas on March 22, 2022, Caden Andre rose the ranks quickly, being assigned the role of Drill Commander along with being promoted to the officer rank of Cadet Lieutenant in May of that same year. He was/is the first and only freshman to have been assigned a department head role. During the promotion ceremony he was also awarded the Order of the Daedalians medal. By being very active in community service events and other events that helped the unit out, he was soon recognized as one of the hardest working cadets, and was soon given the role of Charlie Company Commander, representing his school for the Area Manager Inspection (AMI) inspected by former Area Four Manager, CDR Jimmie Miller. Caden Andre has participated in several more drill competitions including one in Bethel, Connecticut in November, and in Passaic, New Jersey in March of 2023. He was also invited to many formal events, including the Navy League dinner in November of 2022, along with the Ulysses S. Grant Bicentennial celebration and dinner. During Caden’s time in JROTC, he has earned 30 ribbons/awards as of 2024. They are: Distinguished Cadet, Honor Cadet (Device: Gold Lamp), Cadet Achievement, Unit Achievement, Aptitude, NSIII Outstanding Cadet, NSII Outstanding Cadet, NSI Outstanding Cadet, Exemplary Conduct, Exemplary Personal Appearance (Subsequent Award: one bronze star), Physical Fitness (Device: Silver Lamp), Participation (Subsequent Award: three gold stars), Unit Service (Subsequent Award: two bronze stars), Community Service (Subsequent award: three gold stars), Academic Team (Subsequent award: one silver star), Drill Team (Device: golden anchor/ drill cdr), Color Guard (Subsequent award: three gold stars), STEM, Orienteering (Subsequent Award: one bronze star), Recruiting, Leadership Training, Sea Cruise, Chambersburg National Academic Exam (Award), Durfee HS PT Challenge (Award), Physical Fitness Challenge at Rancocas HS (Award), Oxford PT Challenge (Award), “Lets Run” Linden HS PT Challenge (Award), Order of the Daedalians (Award),Surface Warfare Association (Award)n and Theodore Roosevelt Medal (Award). In May of 2023 Caden Andre Fajardo was promoted to the role of Executive Officer of Graphics Campus Navy Junior Officer Training Corps, and has a new rank of Cadet Lieutenant Commander. The following month, he went to Leadership Academy/ Sail Training from June 25th to July 7th, in which he underwent intense physical training and learned more about the key aspects in becoming a leader within and out of JROTC. He is the only cadet out of the entire unit to attend LA/ST this year. While in Leadership Academy, he and his platoon (Blue “Smurfs”) won several awards, including Orienteering/ Land Navigation, Physical Training, and Drill. Drill is something to keep note of however, as it was the first time in eight years that blue platoon has won that specific award. It just so happens that Caden Andre Fajardo was the commander of the very same platoon. On top of that, he was awarded the “Iron Man'' award, given to the strongest/ fastest male and female cadet of each platoon in Physical Training. As of May 2024, Caden has been promoted to the highest rank attainable in NJROTC, which is a captain. He currently has a new role as Regimental Adjutant. In conclusion, Caden Andre Fajardo is one of the strongest, prestigious, and most reliable cadets Graphics Campus has ever seen. He has set new records throughout his high school career, and even up to now. With high honors in school, and the highest ranking/ most decorated cadet, it is safe to say that he is a hard worker, and a person who is dedicated to the cause. He is yet to complete senior year, which means he still has a good amount of time to obtain more accomplishments. Rest assured, he will have a myriad of accomplishments and goals continue to be fulfilled, and he will not stop until he has achieved everything.
CPO. Jaxiel Valera
Operations Officer
In September of 2020 Jaxiel was accepted into the Business of Sports School. The school offered various programs including NJROTC, jaxiel joined NJROTC in his Freshman year. In the 10th Grade Jaxiel got his first promotion, he was promoted to Cadet Seaman. In the 11th grade Jaxiel decided to join staff, he joined the operations department. This lead to Jaxiel getting his second promotion to Petty Officer 3rd Class around June. Jaxiel became the assistant in Operations, he was assigned to supervise trips and put cadets who attend into the system. Later on Jaxiel became the head of Operations. He now supervises his department and the cadets in Operations. Jaxiel is a key figure in staff. During the last Annual Military Inspection, Jaxiel was promoted to a Chief Petty Officer. Jaxiel has been awarded with multiple ribbions which include Participation, Orienteering, Sea Cruise, Community Service, Unit achievement, Unit service, NSI, NSI 2, NSI 3 and recruiting.
Seaman. Jocelyn Guaman
Assistant Operations Officer
During the 2023 summer Jocelyn Guaman made the decision to apply to High School Hospitality Management. Later on she got accepted, who would've known this was the best decision she has made. What made her more interested in the school was NJROTC.
Once she joined there were different departments which made her think. She then made the choice to join the department of Operations. She did as much as she could to help the department,the department included many paperwork, anything related to trips. As two months went by she was notified as the assistant of Operations department.
Jocelyn Guaman a person who has hispanic roots, one who was born in New York City. September 2023 the time Jocelyn joined jrotc, truly a new experience but yet has helped her see many other people's perspectives.
Even though it has been Jocelyn's first two months working in the Operations department it truly has been an experience for her. Many challenges come along the way but that isn’t what stops her. Now that there’s more people recruited the Operations department is even better and stronger.
CPO. Yadibel Rosario
Admin Officer
Yadibel Rosario, a first-generation Dominican-American was born and raised ed a predominantly white elementary and middle school, however, she didn't let that change who she is, or how she views herself and her culture. Despite all her hardships in middle school, she was able to get on the honor roll, which was very important to her and her family who come from humble beginnings. Her parents did everything to make sure she had a comfortable life and great education, and for that, she makes sure that she excels in her classes. She currently attends High School Of Hospitality management, on West 50th Street campus. In high school, she also managed to stay on the honor roll the entire school year, which resulted in not only gaining sophomore credits but also giving her the opportunity to graduate early. She has done numerous extracurricular activities such as cheer, cooking programs, and of course NJROTC. Yadibel joined NJROTC in her freshman year of high school. Starting off as a normal seaman recruit, she wanted to get higher in the ranks within the program, so she decided to join the administration department which allowed her to gain new responsibility and meaning within the program. By the end of her freshman year, she was promoted to Cadet Petty Officer 1st class on May 23rd, 2023. However her achievements didn't end there, by the end of her sophomore year she was promoted to Cadet Chief Petty Officer, as well as made the head of the Administration Department.
PO2. Jacob Auguste
Assistant Admin Officer
Jacob Auguste was born in 2007 in Brooklyn, New York. He spent most of his life living in New York City expect for the year and a half that he spent in Florida when he was in elementary. He now lives in Queens, New York. After applying to high school he was accepted into the business of Sports School which is located in Manhattan, New York. After joining his schools NJROTC's class, he also decided to take part in his units staff. Due to all the hard work and dedication he has shown to the unit, he has been promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class and became the assistant Admin Officer. Jacob has been awarded the following ribbons: Community Service, Participation, Unit Service, Orienteering, and Sea Cruise. He has also received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Medal.
LCDR. Arielle Purifoy
Supply Officer
Arielle Purifoy was awarded the rank of Lieutenant Commander because of her perseverance and resilience to never give up in the face of a challenge. To show that she was, and is, a capable cadet, she decided to take on the challenge of becoming the head of supply. Taking on this department gave her a lot of responsibilities. For instance, she had to take the uniforms to and from the dry cleaners, keep count of the amount of clothes we have, and receive and store new clothes that the NSI’s (Naval Science Instructor) has bought. These are just a couple jobs the head of supply has to do but with the help of the rest of her department, she is able to do it all in an orderly fashion. Arielle or Arie for short was accepted to Stephen T Mather Arts & Craftsmanship High School in the year of 2021. The first day was very awkward for most people but everybody started to get used to each other after some time. She started to move higher in the “hierarchy” through leadership and commitment. She became a class leader for her JROTC class in freshman year. Near the end of 2022, she decided to become part of the drill team and is still active to this day. It wasn’t primarily easy to become a part of the active team. There were instances where she stood and watched from the sidelines, instead of actively marching. This continued throughout her sophomore year. She was really close to quitting but there were many moments where her Master Chief inspired her to push through and be patient. She patiently waited, and consistently tried to march whenever the opportunity arose. She was soon able to catch up to her fellow classmates that started way before her. Her perseverance allowed her to compete at the Passaic drill meet for the armed team and even after the drill meet she still came to drill practice everyday. Her determination allowed her to become the Supply head, and was awarded two medals, one from the National Daughters of the American Colonist society and the national society United States daughters of 1812. She also earn several ribbons such as Drill Team, Aptitude, Exemplary Conduct, Recruiting, Community service, Sea cruise, Unit service, Color Guard, and Unit Achievement. As of late 2023, she is still the department of Supply. She is constantly trying her best to grab as many opportunities as possible, making sure that she is in the most pristine form within drill and throughout JROTC. With this being her final year as supply head she hopes to leave a big mark and be someone future cadets would look up to.
PO3. Gizbel Cepeda
Assistant Supply Officer
Biography Unavailable
LT. Hisham Alamry
Training Officer
Hisham Alamry, born on May 27, 2007, is a dedicated junior at Business of Sports High School. Passionate about leadership and service, he joined the ROTC in September of his freshman year, quickly rising to become the head of the training department within ROTC staff. His commitment to ROTC reflects his strong values of discipline and teamwork.
Beyond his military pursuits, Hisham harbors a profound interest in psychology and aspires to become a psychiatrist in the future. This ambition reveals his compassionate nature and desire to make a positive impact on others' well-being. Despite being in 11th grade, Hisham's involvement in both the academic and extracurricular spheres showcases his multifaceted approach to personal and professional development. As he continues to navigate the dynamic intersection of business, sports, and military training, Hisham Alamry stands poised to contribute meaningfully to both his school community and his envisioned career in psychiatry.
PO3. Geannie Cepeda
Assistant Training Officer
Biography Unavailable
Ensign. Michelle Prieto
Weapons Officer
The Weapons Officer, Michelle Prieto-Hernandez, a Mexican-American born in Bronx, New York. When Michelle was accepted into The Business of Sports School located in Graphics Campus, she learned about a program called ‘NJROTC’. After seeing what the program offered and the benefits that came with joining the program, Michelle signed up thinking nothing of it. After being in the program for over a year and becoming a sophomore, Michelle gained more recognition and was promoted to a Petty Officer Third Class. Michelle felt accomplished and excited, then she was offered to join the Drill Team, although multiple times in the past but she declined joining the Drill Team. But now that Michelle had a better perspective of NJROTC, she accepted and joined the Drill Team, with that Michelle was then given the opportunity to join Staff and become the Assistant Weapons Officer. Michelle one day saw something that caught her eye, she wanted it the second she saw it. A sleek black uniform with gold buttons, she asked her peer on how they were able to receive it. Learning that she would have to become a chief or an officer, she focused her goal on getting the uniform no matter what, as long as she was in the school she wanted dress blues. During her sophomore year she continued her performance in NJROTC which led to her being promoted as an Ensign during the end of the year ceremony, there she was also awarded with a metal and was given the title as the Weapons Officer, leaving her old assistant rank and becoming the head of her department. Michelle becoming a junior in high school she would enter the new year as a Ensign, being awarded one metal and 9 different ribbons.
Cadet PO3. Michelle Drysdale
Assistant Weapons Officer
Petty Officer Third class of Graphics Campus NJROTC Michelle Drysdale, from Brooklyn, began their journey towards Cadet Ensign in 2022; When they started their journey as a freshman they were really scared of making a big commitment to joining NJROTC. In the upcoming year they ended up resigning in the Operations department, but they felt really enthusiastic about joining another staff department because they found it really cool that there was more to JROTC than it seemed, then they started to learn more about the other departments and later joined the weapons department. Their motivated attitude got me to rank up from Seaman Recruit to Petty Officer Third class but even though their rank isn’t the highest this doesn’t stop their motivation to keep on doing their job and to patiently know that it takes time and effort, so they put in more effort. All of their work paid off because they ended up receiving lots of rewards and lots of more recognition in the department. This hard work ended up paying off because this cadet has obtained seven ribbons and 2 stars for their academics; they ended up receiving Principals honor roll and obtaining two stars above my JROTC bar. Michelle is a hard working and academically achieving person, they will continue to keep learning and improving.
CPO. Essam Alamry
Maintenance Officer
Essam Alamry was accepted to the Business of Sports School in 2022. He was very nervous about going to high school because he didn’t know how to open up to people and was shy all the time.
At first, I was very nervous about going to NJROTC because I didn’t want to wear the uniform all day and mostly in front of people. Every day I was thinking about how I’ll try not to care about what people think about me wearing the uniform. I was still nervous about joining the program but after people told me it had a lot of benefits of joining it like one of the instructors can write on your report cards that this cadet/student is a very good person and doesn’t lose track of what he’s doing or something good that’ll benefit you on going to a good college. After 1 or 2 months I joined the program I felt very comfortable there was nobody judging and everybody was being themselves. When I had the uniform day I was still a little nervous about showing up with it but it turned out to be a good thing because people were complicating me for wearing it. After 2 weeks of joining the program, I heard there was a thing called drill which is a squad moving/doing the same moves quickly, and at the same time, I joined. We had like about 4 or 5 months to practice so we can compete with other schools who do the same thing as us. We didn’t win the competition but we did good. Right now I wanna become one of the top three which are: C.O, X.O, and C.M.C.
PO2. Lauren Murgia
Assistant Maintenance Officer
Biography Unavailable
PO3. Jamie Sulimani
Information Technology Officer
Biography Unavailable
Cadet Seaman Recruit. Maia Benoit Escoto
Assistant Information Technology Officer
When Maia Benoit Escoto was seven years old, she and her mother immigrated to the United States of America from Spain. In 2022, she started attending Mather High School. The NJROTC program at Graphics Campus was really one of her primary motivations for doing so. In a meeting between her middle school and the high school, Maia had learnt about the program. She was aware that it may substantially benefit her in terms of practical abilities like leadership and forming relationships with others, as well as learning how to express herself better. After the first few months, she realized that she actually enjoyed every class. She met new people, discovered more about the navy, and succeeded in acquiring those valuable skills. Maia became aware of the ROTC Staff program after the first half of the academic year. She made the decision to join Operations, which helped her acquire new skills like document organization, community service, and comradery. She joined quite late, thus she miss out on some activities. But she always participated in every event she could including parades and other events such as helping out on Memorial Day by handing out fliers and setting up chairs. She gladly stayed after school whenever she could to assist her department and to help out other staff members. Although she hasn't yet received any ribbons, she intends to work hard and earn them as soon as possible.
CPO. Johanny Torres
Public Affairs Officer
Johanny Torres moved to the United States of America with her family when she was just 3 years old. She got accepted into Facing History back in June 2022. She thought it would be a basic high school. During summer break her family received in their mail information about Graphics Campus NJROTC. Johanny was hesitant to join at first because she didn’t know much about the program. In her school's orientation she decided to sign up after hearing about all the benefits the program can give students. The first couple months of school were normal, going to all her classes and exceeding in them. In November Johanny joined the drill team. The Drill team was a big opportunity for Johanny to get promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class. From then on Johanny considered joining staff. With many different departments to choose from Johanny, ended up picking Public Affairs. Johanny was trained over a month on what and how the public affairs department does certain things. She was able to assist when it came to updating and redoing boards, taking pictures during events and organizing things out for her department. This training allowed her to become her department’s assistant. During Johanny's sophomore year she continued to participate in drill and staff which lead her to get promoteed to Chief Petty Officer, she was the first in her grade to get promotion. When she has free time and has done all she can for her department, Johanny tends to help out other departments. Over all staff has allowed her to create bonds with more students, and get in a higher position herself. Looking up to fellow cadets she saw how many got ribbons to reward their work and dedication. After applying for multiple ribbons, Johanny was presented with her current ribbons: Honor Cadet, NS 2 Outstanding Cadets, NS 1 Outstanding Cadet, Exemplary Conduct, Exemplary Personal Appearance, Participation, Unit Service, Community Service, Orienteering, Leadership, Recruiting, Color Guard and Drill Team. Johanny was also awarded the Daedalian Medal due to her contribution and excellence. Now in her junior year Johanny hopes to be able to do more and continue to have a successful journey.
PO3. Michelle Vargas Feliz
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Biography Unavailable.
CPO. Deany Martinez
Physical Training Officer & Assistant Drone Captain
Deany Martinez comes from The Bronx and comes from a close-knit family of four, along with her loyal dog, Kyro. her journey in the NJROTC began when she transferred from a school on 14th Street to Mather High School. In October, she was introduced to the NJROTC program, which has since become a significant part of her life. Through dedication and hard work, she has grown as a cadet, earning two medals and an academic medal for achieving the highest score in her unit. She has also received cadet of the month for February, April, and November. Her commitment to the program was recognized with a promotion from Petty Officer 3rd Class in March to Chief Petty Officer in June. The NJROTC has not only honed her leadership skills but also fostered a deep sense of discipline and pride in her achievements. Not only that but She has always dreamed of becoming a United States sailor, a goal that has driven her since childhood. Her involvement in NJROTC has accelerated her journey toward this dream, providing her with invaluable experiences and the skills needed to succeed in the Navy. Through the program, Deany has honed her leadership abilities and aspires to become a leader others admire and willingly follow. NJROTC has not only brought her closer to her dream but has also instilled in her a strong sense of duty and commitment to serving her country.
medals: National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Academic Medal, PT medal
Seaman. Eric Guerrero
Assistant Physical Training Officer
Eric Guerrero of Graphics Campus Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, from Manhattan, New York comes from a family of 4 including a house dog and has a normal humble family. His family is hardworking and comes from Mexico mainly Puebla, and devotes himself towards
helping his family. His time in being in NJROTC is rather short, only 1 complete year starting his 2nd within the school of UAG or rather high school of graphic Communication Arts in 2023. During his time in NJROTC cadet Eric has managed to obtain the rank of assistant PT coordinator due to his devotion to what he calls “mastering himself” in which he caught the eye of his fellow comrades. Although Eric has not been able to attend many events and acquire different ranks or ribbons he has only been in the program for one full year and has no desire or in no rush to obtain anything he simply wants to better himself in all aspects of life in his own way.
CPO. Tyler Kim
Drone Captain
During 2022 after not getting accepted in Any Specialized High schools, Tyler Kim took the next best school that he had on his list, Urban Assembly Gateway for Technology. To start his school year off, he attended Urban Assembly Gateway's annual "Gateaway", which was an event during the last week of August in which freshmen go to a sleep-away campsite and get to know each other and a little more about the school. There he made close friends, and there, is when he first learned about the NJROTC program. Interested and curious on what kind of program this would be, and also the chance for scholarship money, he signed up soon after his freshman year started. He also figured that this NJROTC program would better shape his character as he believed that he could use a bit of discipline and a strong mentality to change his life for the better.Starting out in the Freshman NJROTC class, Tyler became a class leader and as the year progressed, after the Annual Military Inspection, Tyler became a Petty Officer Third Class. To further improve himself he joined Graphic Campus's drill team in January. He failed miserably at the first drill competition. The next year, as a Sophomore, Tyler joined the Senior drill team and joined the Armed and Unarmed teams. He also joined the newly created Drone team that year. He went on that year, with the determination to never fail so badly again. That year went on, going to several Drill competitions, Tyler did great in some, mediocre in others, and few he did poorly or not very well. But he came back with a better record and a sense of accomplishment, towards the later half of the school, he was rewarded for his hard work with the rank of Petty Officer First Class and the position of executive Officer (Second in Command) in the Urban Assembly Gateway company. Now, as a Junior, Tyler Kim is a Chief Petty Officer and the Commanding officer of the Urban Assembly Gateway company, as the previous Commanding officer graduated as a senior. From here on out, Tyler only intends on being better than who he was before, having fun and doing the best he can at any and every Drill Competition.
Ribbons: Naval Science 1 Outstanding Cadet, Exemplary Conduct, Exemplary Personal Appearance, Participation, Community Service, Drill Team and Orienteering.
CDR. Oliver Peralta
Commander
Oliver R. Peralta of Graphics Campus Navy Junior ROTC was born in San Juan, Dominican Republic, and lived there until he was 9 years old. He then moved to the U.S. and, of course, life continued as usual. However, he faced many struggles growing up in Harlem without knowing English. Even then, he persevered, moving from place to place. By the time he was 14, he lived in Union City, New Jersey, for his freshman year of high school. Entering high school with no motivation, no goal, and no purpose, he joined Marine Corps Junior ROTC. ROTC was hard, but in the hard work, sweat, and discipline, he found a purpose. He discovered his one goal for his entire high school career: the position of executive officer. He worked hard throughout his freshman year, joined the drill team, participated in a drill competition, and finally earned his dress blues. Just as he felt he was getting closer to his goal, freshman year ended. Unfortunately, he had to move back to New York, lost all hope, and didn't know what he would do for the rest of his high school years. Then, luck struck, and he found a school with a Navy Junior ROTC. Oliver Peralta was accepted into Graphics Campus/Business of Sports School in September 2022. He entered as a sophomore and immediately signed up for the NJROTC program. He had to start over, but he worked hard and joined the Weapons Department. His efforts paid off as he was promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class and became the Assistant Weapons Officer. Despite the hard work and daily challenges, he didn’t see immediate progress towards his goal until he was unexpectedly promoted to Cadet Ensign—something no first-year cadet could ever dream of. He continued to work hard and received many awards, such as: Excellence in Academics from the Freedom Foundation, Excellence in Physical Training presented by the Secretary of the Navy, The Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal for Outstanding Performance of Duty, Cadet of the Month three times in a row, Color Guard (3 Gold Stars + Commander Pin), Drill Team Ribbon (2 Silver Stars), Orienteering (1 Bronze Star), Unit Service (1 Silver Star), NS 2 and 3 Outstanding Cadet, Exemplary Conduct (1 Bronze Star), Exemplary Personal Appearance (1 Silver Star), Participation (3 Gold Stars), Community Service (1 Silver Star), Academic Team Award (1 Silver Star), Recruiting (1 Gold Star), Leadership Training, Aptitude Award (1 Bronze Star), Sea Cruise (1 Bronze Star). Even after receiving many awards, he still felt he was not where he knew he could be. He continued to work hard, pouring his blood, sweat, and tears into the program. His dedication paid off as he was promoted to Command Master Chief. Despite many responsibilities and hardships, he was one step closer to his goal. At the end of his junior year, Oliver was promoted to the rank of Commander and became the head of the Color Guard. Yet, he still believes he isn’t done growing. Now, with the help of his XO and the entire staff, he aims to make Graphics Campus not only better but the best.
CDR. Annierys Rodriguez
Commander
Biography Unavailable.