Cadet Commanding officer Emma Bronson (‘24) presents the flag at a football game to display the colors. Photo by Mrs. Backus

   Emma Bronson (’24) is the Commanding Officer (C/O) of the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC). She is head of staff and is successfully leading the program through a promising brain brawl season. 

   Bronson faces many challenges when it comes to being the C/O. She has to keep everything organized and keep up with all the other cadets. 

   “There’s always a lot of stuff going on since there’s seven different class periods that I’m responsible for but I can’t be in all of them, so it’s kind of just communicating, keeping up with the classes and keeping them organized,” Bronson said. 

   Becoming the C/O is a long term commitment with years of hard work to be chosen. The cadet chosen for C/O their senior year displays excellency for all four years of the NJROTC career and also displays massive levels of responsibility. 

   “Ever since I was a freshman I’d look at the staff members and say I wanted to be like them when I’m a senior, this just inspired me to want to become a leader and to work hard,” Bronson said.

   Every job comes with its enjoyments, being the C/O is not an exception to this. Bronson still manages to have fun with the cadets at field meets and the annual unit picnic. 

   “I really enjoy getting to interact with all the cadets just knowing that when I leave they’ll be the ones taking over. It just makes me want to get to know them and be better,” Bronson said. 

   In the end, being the C/O is a big responsibility but Bronson has handled it through many hours of sacrifice in the rotc room and going to a countless number of practices to get to where she is now.