News Release: Friendly High School NJROTC Cadets #1 in Nation on Academic Exam

May 2, 2024
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Students in the Friendly High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NJROTC) earned both first and third place out of more than 1,500 teams on the 2024 National Academic Exam, which is taken by all NJROTC units nationwide and recognizes academic achievement among units and individual cadets. 

Friendly’s first place academic team includes cadets Princess Tate, Madison Jones, Aissata Sylla, Carlos Galvan and Christopher Zelaya. Composed entirely of freshman, first-year cadets, the team that took third place nationally included: Taaren Daughtry, Quinnice Dooley, Edwin Gaitan, Joi Foster, and Zanadia Martin, demonstrated extraordinary talent and promise.

"Friendly High School’s award-winning cadets exemplify the values of leadership, dedication, and academic excellence,” said NJROTC Commander Bonita Autrey. “Their success is a testament to the support of parents, the Naval Science Instructor, NCC Shawn White, our dedicated school instructors, and the ongoing commitment to excellence within our program.”

In addition to leading on the National Academic Exam, Friendly was honored as Area four’s most improved unit for 2024, placing them in contention for the prestigious National Most Improved Unit award. The unit also received Unit Achievement honors for exemplary performance.

A Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education program, JROTC is offered in 19 high schools and courses are taught by retired and non-commissioned officers.

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