Corporal Manny Lopez was a proud graduate of North Rockland High School and a native of Haverstraw, New York. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Army, where he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division stationed in Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On April 12, 2005, while on patrol, Corporal Lopez made the ultimate sacrifice when his Humvee was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. He was only 20 years old. He is remembered by his mother, Yolanda Lopez, his wife, Kira, and his daughter, Isabella.

In recognition of his bravery and service, Corporal Lopez was posthumously awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. The Purple Heart is given to those wounded or killed in combat, while the Bronze Star honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who demonstrate heroic or meritorious achievement in a combat zone.

Corporal Manny Lopez exemplified the values our cadets strive to uphold—courage, dedication, discipline, and selfless service. It is a profound honor for our Honor Society to carry his name. The Corporal Manny Lopez NJROTC Honor Society reflects his legacy by emphasizing the importance of community service, unit involvement, strong conduct, professional appearance, academic aptitude, and physical fitness—all traits he embodied.

On Memorial Day 2019, the idea to name our Honor Society after Corporal Lopez was brought forward by cadet leadership. With the support and approval of Principal Dr. Gill, the Board of Education, and his mother, Ms. Yolanda Lopez, the renaming was officially granted on June 12, 2019.

Ms. Lopez remains actively involved in supporting our service members, veterans, and families of the fallen. Her continued dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and the importance of honoring their legacy.