Rick Gunn/Nevada Appeal Michael Moltz, incoming commander of the Carson High School Junior ROTC, takes a break after the end of the annual changing of command ceremony at the JROTC center at the school Wednesday.
For the first time in at least 16 years, a junior will head up Carson High School's Naval Junior ROTC program.
"We felt he was the best person for the job," said Cmdr. Skip Cannady. "He's quite an excellent young man."
During a change of command ceremony Wednesday afternoon, Mark Robinson was given command of the ROTC cadets.
"This is a great opportunity," he said. "I hope to have the best company in the area."
Robinson, 16, who will be a junior next year, is replacing senior Mark Robinson, who served as company commander the past year.
"I had a wonderful year," he told cadets after being relieved of his command. "I want to thank you all. This was the experience of a lifetime."
Robinson plans to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard after graduation. But not all members of ROTC, a citizenship program sponsored by the U.S. Navy, seek careers in the military.
Senior Lisa Loe, 17, plans to pursue a career in elementary education. However, she is grateful for her time in ROTC.
"I learned a lot of leadership and I met a lot of friends here," she said. "I'm really glad that I joined."
Cannady said it is the students make the organization work.
"They get a lot of hands-on leadership experience," he said. "They run the company. Sgt. Maj. Wayne Baker and I give them help and guidance if they need it, but basically they do everything."
Other leaders were also named during Wednesday's ceremony. Sarah Stadler became the new operations officer, in charge of service projects within the high school and community.
"I love community service so it's the perfect job," she said. "We're going to have a great year."
Chief Deputy Bev Moltz, of the Carson City Sheriff's Department, attended the ceremony to watch her son's promotion to commander.
"I'm very proud," she said. "It's a great accomplishment for him. He's learning so much about life."
Michael Moltz, who hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement, admits he is a little nervous about his new position. But he's ready.
"I feel I can do the job," he said.
Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.