NJROTC is an activity that teaches how to work with people and at the same time is a lot of fun. NJROTC stands for Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. Many learn international law, history of the Navy, diplomacy, science, weather, astronomy, different types and parts of ships, navy law and much more.

Class for NJROTC is every Wednesday night from 4:30 to 8:30 at Wheeling High School. Students are transported by bus to Wheeling from EGHS.

There is also physical training, community service and color guards in NJROTC. Leadership in NJROTC consists of learning leadership styles, traits, what it means to be a leader, leadership positions, etc. NJROTC Sponsor, Jeff Morse said through “expanding studies” and “discipline” leadership will be developed.

NJROTC offers many opportunities to become a leader which consist roles such as cadet commander, admin officers, public affairs, running the battalion, cadet representative, chief, supply role which is being in charge of uniforms, operations officer which is in charge of running events, just to name a few. Junior Patrick Merrill said leadership is “when everyone looks up to you.” Once someone takes the initiative to become a leader he or she sets the tone with a proper attitude for NJROTC.

Merrill said it’s a “big responsibility” to be the cadet representative. These positions put you in real world situations, so it is a great learning experience. Pushing through difficult tasks makes one into a better person. Through events and participation in the unit, drill team, and the marksmanship team many learn what it takes to be a leader.

“Once you work hard and get awards and promotions, they give you pride for the program,” senior Ben Faughn said. He joined NJROTC through friends and stuck with it for the learning experience and to work hard to get something out of it.

Morse said NJROTC “helps develop leadership skills” with it also being “a credited class” for those who are in need of credits. Students interested in NJROTC need to talk to their counselors to sign up for the class.