North Fork Navy Junior Cadets Named Best Unit in the Nation

U.S. military officials named the the most outstanding unit in the nation on Friday.

The consolidated high school unit has long been decorated for achievement, but this is the first time the unit has received this highest of awards since the program began 37 years ago.

“This is a total unit effort and all 263 cadets in the unit had a big part in receiving this distinction,” said Maj. William Grigonis, head of the program. “This award has been a building block process over the years and we have to recognize not only today’s cadets, but also those cadets that have worked so hard for this unit.”

Grigonis said that former NJROTC cadets currently on active duty in the military, those who have completed their service and those former cadets who have become successful leaders in the community are a big reason for the continued life of the program and for this “granddaddy” of all NJROTC awards.

Out of 622 NJROTC units worldwide, the North Fork unit won for excellence in the areas of school and community leadership positions, community service, annual inspection results, drill competition results, academic achievement, athletic achievement, host-school support, academy and scholarship appointments and many other specific criteria.

“I am so proud of these young ladies and gentlemen,” Grigonis said. “We couldn't do it without the support of the three schools’ administrations, faculty and staff. The parent and community support on the North Fork is truly amazing.”