Little Silver’s Thomas Clark embraces life as a cadet in the NJROTC

By:  | February 1, 2025 |  |  Little Silver

By Emma Sylvia

For most high school students, just getting through the school day and the homework afterward is enough work. But that doesn’t fly for Thomas Clark, a life-long resident of Little Silver who is currently enrolled as a senior at Marine Academy of Science & Technology (MAST) in Sandy Hook. Clark has a full schedule, but all he can talk about are the pros – and he’s here to encourage all students to consider the highlight of his high school career: NJROTC. 

“Applying to MAST was for academic interest. I love the ocean and being outside. I’m an avid sailor,” he says. Clark is the president of MAST’s National Honors Society (NHS), wherein he organized the school’s first ever blood drive (an event the school will be repeating this upcoming spring). Proficient in math and science, Clark also works as a peer tutor, as well as volunteering for the town as a fire cadet. What Clark emphasizes as the crux of his time at MAST, though, is NJROTC.

NJROTC, standing for Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, is a program funded by the US Military, but it’s not aimed at recruiting.

“They help give the cadets opportunities to be in charge of things and learn directly from people with military experience,” Clark explains.

With about 300 members at MAST, all marine science and tech-focused students have to participate in NJROTC.

Clark explains that he was initially intimidated by his introduction to MAST, especially as he was beginning his high school education during COVID.

“I was a little scared; all I knew was that I had to put a uniform on. But I’ve come into my own. Now, I’m in charge, and I always tell people that NJROTC is about what you put into it.”

Clark further elaborates that the military isn’t just about fighting. “I talk about this a lot with people that aren’t super interested in the programs. It doesn’t really fit the mold all the time for people that are focused on that.” Clark lauds the program and its true purpose — making people better individuals.

NJROTC emphasizes responsibility, with opportunities to be put into positions one might not have initially considered.

“You get a taste of a leadership position that helps you in the long run. It’s a helpful push that sparked my interest.” There’s also a striving for attention to detail, as the cadets are inspected each week. Clark denounces the idea of it being pointless, saying: “We learn honor, courage, and commitment. We take opportunities for ourselves. We stay committed to our obligation.”

An average day for a cadet at MAST involves waking up at 6 a.m. and then meeting with naval science instructors. Cadets will later get inspected (on a uniform day). With a block schedule, students finish the day — except Clark stays later, practicing with the drill team, which competes both locally and nationally, with MAST placing highly for the national level last year. 

Clark, a reflection of NJROTC’s diligence, already has his plan for college.

“There’s the college program, ROTC. It’s at a lot of universities. I myself have committed to the naval academy in Annapolis, Maryland. I’m excited to be able to go there and continue my interest and simultaneously get one of the best educations.” Shortly after high school graduation, Clark will head to the academy to start plebe summer, essentially a boot camp.

“It’s very difficult, but I’m excited,” he insists. “It’s going to be good to further my educational experience.” 

When asked about the stress of the NJROTC program, Clark thinks that it’s entirely worth it.

“A lot of universities love it, it shows that we’re committed to our country and are willing to sacrifice our personal time for something that isn’t always appreciated. It sets you up for success,” Clark says.

“For example, part of my job is giving speeches. I’ve had to get used to public speaking, and now it’s something I love. If you said that to me in eighth grade, I would’ve said you’re crazy. But the program gives you the tools.”

But would Clark trade the program for a more lax high school experience?

“Absolutely not; I wouldn’t trade it. The program has given me opportunities I never would have had,” he says, emphatically.

One such opportunity was participating in the leadership academy at a naval station in Newport, RI. As one of the members of the platoon, he was taught additional sailing and leadership skills from former navy personnel. Later, he was able to return and oversee an entire platoon. “It was such a unique experience that really prepared me well for the future. Nowhere else is that trust put in someone.” 

“I had 33 parents counting on me to make sure these kids learned and had a safe time. That’s what it comes down to — a lot of parents are scared. But getting to lead and be an example to those students is something I really hold dearly.” 

There’s an end piece of advice from Clark that he offers to students: “At the very least, we’re in difficult times. A lot of people have preconceived notions about what the military is. I’d say keep an open mind for students and parents and get involved. Let your kids get involved and know about opportunities like this.”