MAST placed first in Armed Platoon (commanded by Cadet Liam Kile of Tinton Falls), New Cadet Color Guard (commanded by Cadet Zachary Mansfield of Monmouth Beach), and Academics (commanded by Cadet Caroline Davidson of Brielle); second in New Cadet Basic (commanded by Cadet William Hurley of Monmouth Beach), Unarmed Platoon (commanded by Cadet Emily Fuller of Brielle), Varsity Color Guard (commanded by Cadet Jake O’Donnell of Tinton Falls) and Personnel Inspection (commanded by Cadet Shane McCutcheon of Manasquan); and third in Athletics (commanded by Cadet Liam Hoagland of Colts Neck).
Smith-Yeoman commended the cadets for their dedication. “Since we don’t have an indoor facility here on the Hook that’s large enough for drill practice, the cadets must practice outside in all kinds of weather,” she said.
“We also don’t have late buses like many other schools, so the parents must arrange for transportation for the cadets when they finish after-school practice,” explained Smith-Yeoman. Many of the cadets live quite a distance away from the school, so the support of family and friends is integral to the program’s success. “This win belongs to the entire MAST family,” she said.
Colts Neck High School’s NJROTC unit, headed by retired Marine Corps Major Gregory Penczak, took third place at the event. Atlantic City High School took second place.
This article was first published in the Jan. 4-11, 2018 print edition of The Two River Times.