Cranston High School East’s JROTC program is steeped in tradition – a part of which is the transition of leadership following the graduation of each year’s senior cadets.

On Friday, May 24, the program’s 30th Corps of Cadets said farewell to Battalion Commander Cadet Lt. Col. Eric Testa and welcome to Cadet Lt. Col. Genesis Aldana.

Cadet Maj. Jadin Gagnon served as narrator for the ceremony, which was presided over by retired Lt. Col. John Murray, senior Army instructor for the school’s JROTC program.

The units that participated in the ceremony were from Headquarters Company commanded by Cadet Maj. Kailey Lenk, Alpha Company commanded by Cadet Capt. Jacob Hyun and Bravo Company commanded by Cadet Maj. Sofia Calderon.

Cadet Lt. Col. Serena Mora, battalion executive officer, was the commander of troops for the ceremony. Cadet Capt. Gabriel Cueller, the adjunct of the battalion, started the ceremony by forming the battalion.

Following the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, Mora escorted Testa on a review of the Thunderbolt battalion one last time.

The next part of the ceremony was the actual change of command.

“The Army officer’s saber is a symbol of strength and honor, two traits that are much admired in the Thunderbolt battalion,” Gagnon said. “All cadets are expected to continuously work on their physical, mental and emotional strength while being honorable in everything they do. The passing of the saber from Eric to Genesis signifies that it is now Genesis who bears the responsibility of leading by example. As battalion commander, she alone bears the responsibility of command and she must remain strong and honorable for the 31st Corps of Cadets.”

Testa thanked his fellow cadets and wished them good luck.

“I know we have one of the best JROTC programs in the Corps,” he said. “I want to thank all of you for working so hard this year, especially, the senior class. We’ve accomplished so much this year, including passing accreditation with full colors. Whatever your future holds, I wish you the best of luck.”

Aldana said ever since she started in the JROTC program during her freshman year, “I’ve always known this is exactly where I belong.”

“I am looking forward to all our annual project next year,” she said. “Always remember, leadership is not a position or a title – it is an action, an example. Let's maintain motivation and dedication throughout the year to help make it an unforgettable one.”

The ceremony concluded with Aldana reviewing the Corps of Cadets and the playing of the Army song.

After the ceremony ended, senior Cadet Maj. Jesahias Quiroa spoke eloquently and from the heart about JROTC and Cranston East.

“This is my family. For four years we have learned, trained, laughed and struggled together,” he said. “I cannot fathom not seeing these people everyday. There really are no words to express how much I am going to miss all of them and the program.”

The battalion bid farewell to 26 cadets this year; Oscar Arteaga, Natalie Butterfield, Brandon Carew, Arian Chhim, Gabriel Cuellar, Dayra De La Cruz, Jadin Gagnon, Kenneth Gallo, Arthur Goncalves, Amy Jiminez, Matthew LaForge, Genesis Lebron, Aaron Mickelson, Dennis Montalvo, Serena Mora, Sarah Morris, Giancarlo Montiel-Rodriguez, Randy Peralta, Roberto Perretta, Jesahias Quiroa, Chendra Rivera, Alexander Shaw, Joseph Tavares, Eric Testa, Jean Carlos Berroa-Tejeda and Geryl Sophia Vargas.