Elizabeth, N.J., December 2, 2022 – Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr. Health & Public Safety Academy Marine Corp Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corp (MCJROTC) took first place in several events at the 2022 Union High School Drill Competition at Union High School.

The Halsey Drill Team competed in various events and earned first place in Unarmed Inspection Platoon, Unarmed Color Guard, Unarmed Exhibition Platoon, Armed Regulation Platoon, and Armed Inspection Platoon. The drill team also placed first overall in both armed and unarmed divisions.

The Halsey Health & Public Safety Academy MCJROTC, which was designated a Naval Honor School by the Commanding General of Marine Corps Training and Education Command for the 2021-2022 school year, is led by Master Sergeant Robert Geralds, Master Sergeant Joel Ramirez, and Gunnery Sergeant Cedric Jefferson.

“The Halsey Marine Corp Junior ROTC program has long been a symbol of honor for Elizabeth Public Schools, both for the young men and women who have graduated from the program to bravely serve in our armed forces and for its storied success in competition,” said Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer. “These first-place awards were the fruit of hard work and dedication demonstrated by each cadet and are emblematic of the standard of excellence to which the Halsey Drill Team holds itself.”

“Congratulations to the Halsey Drill Team for its outstanding performance at the Union High School Drill Competition,” said Elizabeth Board of Education President Rosa E. Moreno Ortega. “The performance of the Halsey Drill Team was undoubtedly a result of an exceptional attention to detail and countless hours of focused preparation. We are proud of our cadets for all they do and the great character and integrity they represent.”