Welcome To The Apollo NJROTC Website!
Welcome to the Apollo Hawks NJROTC Unit, a legacy of leadership, excellence, and community service established in 1972 under Commander Tray Ray. With nearly five decades of history, the program has shaped the lives of over 4,200 students, instilling lasting values of discipline, patriotism, and responsible citizenship that extend beyond the classroom.
Throughout its distinguished history, the Apollo Hawks NJROTC Unit has consistently achieved excellence, earning recognition as an Honor Unit, Unit Achievement Unit, and Distinguished Organization on multiple occasions. In 1991, under the leadership of Lieutenant Commander Terry Tassin, the unit reached a defining milestone by being named the Outstanding NJROTC Unit in the United States.
Over the years, the AHS NJROTC unit has achieved multiple honors, reflecting the dedication of its cadets, the leadership of its instructors, and the continued support from families and the community.
Key Unit Achievements:
2021 – Unit Achievement Award
2022 – Unit Achievement Award
2023 – Distinguished Unit Award
2024 – Distinguished Unit Award
2025 – Distinguished Unit Award
2026 – Distinguished Unit W/Honors
These recognition's demonstrate a long-standing pattern of excellence within the AHS NJROTC program. Across decades, the unit has consistently earned distinction at both regional and national levels, reflecting sustained performance, growth, and commitment to high standards in all areas of the program.
The strength of our unit comes from the daily dedication of our cadet company officers and staff, whose leadership ensures the smooth operation of all activities, events, and programs. Each year, approximately 120 students join our NJROTC family, adding to the energy, commitment, and spirit of our community.
Apollo NJROTC offers a wide range of co-curricular teams that provide cadets with valuable hands-on experiences. These include Color Guard, Drill Teams, Air Rifle, Orienteering, Community Action & Service, STEM, and Academic activities, all designed to develop leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
The Apollo NJROTC experience is enhanced through engaging field trips that expand cadets’ horizons. These include visits to Naval bases, Basic Leadership Training Camps, university ROTC units, the Navy Leadership Academy, Sail Academy, and other opportunities that provide valuable insight into leadership, service, and military life.
Unit life is built on tradition, leadership, and camaraderie through events such as the Navy Birthday Celebration, Annual Military Ball, Drill Meets, Parades, Orienteering outings, and Community Service activities. Cadets also strengthen teamwork and friendships through leadership campouts, unit mixers, Great Skate Night, and parent social events.
The Navy JROTC program helps students develop good citizenship, character, ethical thinking, discipline, leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution, and personal fitness. Students study naval sciences, including astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, physical science, piloting, navigation, watercraft design, electronics, and Navy traditions and organization. The program offers opportunities to compete on varsity teams such as drill teams, color guard, air rifle, orienteering, fitness, and academics. The course sequence includes Naval Science 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8, with possible enlistment pay grades and industry certification available. Career pathways include air traffic control, Coast Guard, computer technology, engineering, military, and oceanography. Navy JROTC is available at Apollo, Cortez, Glendale, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, and Thunderbird High Schools.
We invite you to become part of the Apollo Hawks NJROTC legacy of leadership, service, and excellence. By supporting our program, you are investing in the growth, education, and future success of the young men and women who will become tomorrow’s leaders. Join us in empowering cadets through dedication, teamwork, and community involvement.