Board recognizes NJROTC cadets from New Albany and Floyd Central for national honors

The New Albany Floyd County Schools board recognized NJROTC cadets and instructors from New Albany and Floyd Central for a standout year of regional and national achievements.

Chief Cooley and NJROTC instructors highlighted the unit's selection as a distinguished unit and said the program finished the year with 287 of 360 points, the highest total in unit history. The unit also ranked among top fundraising groups in Indiana for Wreaths Across America and recorded more than 4,500 hours of community service.

An NJROTC instructor who described 19 years with the district said New Albany and Floyd Central combined competitive accomplishments including undefeated conference records, Navy Nationals championships, All Services national championships, and multiple individual medals. "We won the Navy national championships in February," the instructor said, noting the units set records and qualified shooters for collegiate scholarships.

Speakers named cadet leaders and scholarship recipients: the district reported two seniors awarded scholarships collectively valued at more than $700,000, four distinguished shooters with Excellence in Competition recognition, and at least one cadet who received a meritorious achievement award for saving a life at a New Albany pool in 2025.

The board paused to photograph cadets and applauded the students' leadership, community service and competitive success. Administrators said they value the program's student-development role and will continue support within district extracurricular offerings.