Company Commanding Officer

привіт, доброго ранку та доброго дня, I am Cadet/Lieutenant Commander Amelia Merkouris. I am the Commanding Officer for the Robert Service High School Naval Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps. I am responsible for maintaining everything that takes place within the company. 

I find it important as the Commanding Officer, that I am setting the finest example for all members of the Cadet Company by maintaining the highest standards of performance, conduct, appearance, military bearing and courtesy. Which is why I maintain the high morale and enthusiasm within the Unit, ensuring that everything has the correct proper plan of execution of any Unit Activities. By doing so, I take charge of all daily operations, training, discipline, appearance of the Unit and maintaining a dependable and continuous flow of communications up and down the chain of command. I provide recommendations for cadet evaluation, promotion and billet assignments, along with making cadet appointments on as needed basis. I want to make sure that all of our cadets in our company feel heard and have the opportunity to receive help. I am also responsible for directing and coordinating the efforts of the Cadet Staff, and running the weekly staff meeting, where I have the opportunity to perform as the Cadet Officer in Charge of Company formations. Other than staff, I am the primary Cadet Company Point of Contact with the Senior Naval Science Instructor and the Naval Science Instructor. 

 I've been in the program for four years and I’m happy that I decided to join. Originally I was hesitant about this class until gunny was able to help me find my classes on the first day of school and there I realized that this is where I wanted to be. My sophomore year I was the Armorer in early December and I was able to learn about how to properly organize and earn the responsibility of maintaining any work that has been given to me by the supply officer. Then a few months later, I received the opportunity to be the Recruiting Officer Assistant. I was able to learn how to communicate with others. I was then shortly after, the Recruiting Officer for 2024-2025. What I liked about becoming the Recruiting Officer is that I was able to learn about others and their goals for both high school and what they’d like to do afterwards. I was able to pursue my passion for art being the Recruiting Officer and I was able to learn how to create digital designs and create videos. Now as the Commanding Officer, I’m happy that I’m able to provide guidance in this company, and to ensure that cadets are receiving knowledge on how to lead today. The one advice that I’d like to give is try to become open minded. Be open to new ideas that you can do, and push through what’s holding your potential back. 

Outside of NJROTC, I’m not really an outside person but I really enjoy watching and playing softball, and watching baseball with my appa. I’m also a part of the RSHS Orchestra department and I've been in it since my freshman year. I have been playing the violin for almost six years, and it’s one of my most favorite things that I do. In my freetime I like to get out of the house and hang out with friends when I can and once in a great while I make origamis. 

After high school I want to get an associates degree in nursing and a degree in dramatic arts, so I can achieve what my mom wished on doing. Then later on do what I’d like to do, going to New York and joining the Coast Guard.