NJROTC earns Distinguished Unit Award

For the first time in its history, Central Valley Academy's Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) has earned a Distinguished Unit Award (DUA). CVA NJROTC instructor Chief Matthew Snyder made the announcement to his cadets and their families during the unit's Change of Command ceremony in May.

The DUA is a highly prestigious honor awarded to the top 30 percent of NJROTC programs nationwide. It recognizes units that exhibit superior performance in academics, military proficiency, administration, host school support, and community service. Each cadet receives a DUA ribbon to mark the achievement. In addition, the unit now has the opportunity to nominate cadets to the U.S. military academies — a privilege otherwise restricted to elected federal officials.

"The Distinguished Unit Award is a testament this unit's leadership," said Chief Snyder. "They are the ones who drove it. It is the students who make this happen."

Chief Snyder acknowledges that student and school involvement set CVA apart. As a unit, they consistently perform near the top at their annual inspections. As cadets, they compete in a variety of Area 1 Championships including Orienteering, Drones, Brain Brawl, and Drill, Academics & PT. As individuals, they volunteer in the community, most recently sorting toys at the Ilion Marine Corps League for the next Toys for Tots distribution. As students, they are highly visible members of the school community, whether in uniform or simply setting a positive example in the classroom. In turn, school and district leaders recognize the importance of the program, providing needed resources to help ensure its continued success.

Chief Snyder feels this commitment to excellence contributes to further opportunity. Whether coincidence or a reflection of the unit's improvement, CVA will have two additional slots at this year's Northeast NJROTC Leadership Academy/Sailing Training. Cadets Aiden Sheffler, Colin Dean, Kaydence Zimmerman, and Gavin Worden will attend a two-week program in Newport, RI where they will hone their leadership skills learn to sail, and practice water survival techniques.

Outgoing Command Master Chief Azaira McDonald addresses attendees at the 2026 Change of Command Ceremony

At the end of each school year, the unit holds a formal Change of Command ceremony. Change of Command is a military tradition that formally transfers authority, responsibility, and accountability from one commanding officer to another. It ensures that a unit is never without official leadership and builds of trust and allegiance for the coming year. Unit officers are high school student cadets selected to hold specific leadership and staff roles within their local unit. These student leaders are responsible for the daily administration, training, and operational readiness of the cadets.

• Primary Command Staff
  • Cadet Commanding Officer
  • Cadet Executive Officer
  • Cadet Command Master Chief
• Core Department Officers
  • Operations Officer:  
  • Administration Officer
  • Supply Officer
  • Weapons Officer
  • Public Affairs Officer
  • Special Projects Officer
  • Media Officer