GREENVILLE — Greenville High School’s 21st annual Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) annual Pass in Review took place Thursday at GHS.
The event allowed cadets to showcase the skills they have learned throughout their time in NJROTC.
During a Change of Command ceremony, Cadet Commanding Officer Austin Grote relinquished his command to Cadet Jeremy Eshbaugh. Both have been in the program for four years.
Eshbaugh was reflective on his time with the program.
“During my freshmen year, I felt out of place as much as these freshmen here,” he said. “This program is so much bigger than this. It provides tools for success throughout your entire life.”
Each year, the unit is inspected by either the Area Manager or an active duty military officer. The cadets are inspected in personal appearance and their performance in basic drill. Retired Senior Naval Science Instructor U.S. Navy Captain Keith Denman inspected all 85 cadets on Thursday and was impressed.
“I was proud to inspect the cadets this morning,” he said. “They took great time and effort. I want to thank the great support from the parents and other family members. It’s important that you come. When they see you out there, it makes a big difference.”
GHS Naval Science Instructor Chief Stephen Eldred emphasized the importance of the NJROTC program. His job is unusual in that he gets to see some students grow throughout their high school careers. About that, he feels very fortunate.
“We have the opportunity to see a child for four years,” he said. “We get to see the change and growth during that period of time. While it gives them a military aspect, 90 percent will probably never join the military — and that’s fine. Our main focus is making better citizens.”
“The students really enjoy participating in the events,” he added. “The fulfillment for me is seeing the lighbulb go off, quickly, in a student. Seeing the rewards they get are really rewarding to me.”
