Los Alamos High School NJROTC 3-PEAT State Champions/Courtesy photo

BY C/ENS ALICIA VALERIO
Public Affairs Officer
LAHS NJROTC

On April 10, Los Alamos High School’s NJROTC held its annual Change of Command ceremony at Duane Smith Auditorium, celebrating the achievements of the unit and the dedication of its cadets. This long-standing tradition takes place towards the end of each school year and serves as a formal recognition of excellence, leadership, and growth within the program. During the ceremony, cadets were awarded ribbons and medals sponsored by various organizations, each recognizing individuals who demonstrated outstanding performance, character, and commitment throughout the year. In addition, cadets were also recognized for academic and leadership advancements, marking their progression into higher ranks within the unit.

The ceremony also highlighted a new piece of information, as the new staff for the upcoming school year was officially announced while departing seniors were honored for their service and contribution. Along with the new leadership positions, additional staff positions were introduced to further strengthen the unit’s structure. These included the roles of Medical Officer and Assistant Training Officer. The Assistant Training Officer will work closely with the Training Officer to guide and mentor new cadets, helping them adapt to the program and develop the skills necessary to succeed. Meanwhile, the Medical Officer will focus on promoting cadet health and wellness by educating members on proper nutrition, preparing supplies for events, and providing care in the event of injuries during training or competitions.

A significant moment of the ceremony was the passing of command from former Commanding Officer Maya Snowden to the newly appointed Commanding Officer, Jaden Kim. Snowden expressed her confidence in the incoming leadership team, stating that she believes they will continue to accomplish great things and uphold the unit’s high standards. Kim acknowledged the responsibility of his new role, sharing that while the transition is a major- change, he is eager to grow as a leader and guide the unit forward. He also expressed gratitude to Snowden for her mentorship and support, which helped prepare him for this position.

The new staff for next year is as follows:

Topper Company 2026-2027

• C/CDR Jaden Kim, Commanding Officer
• C/LCDR Lilia Keller-Moore, Executive Officer
• C/MCPO Evelyn Drake, Command Master Chief Petty Officer
•  C/LT Kaylee Colson, Operations Officer
• C/LT Marcus Oviedo, Assistant Operations Officer 
• C/LTJG Isabel Stoica, Medical Officer
• C/ENS Jinwoo Kim, Administration Officer
• C/ENS Bryan Lee, Training Officer 
• C/ENS River Muzzie, Assistant Training Officer 
• C/ENS Violet Humphrey, Supply Officer
• C/ENS Sarah Birocco, Assistant Supply Officer
• C/PO2 Thomas West, Junior Supply Officer 
• C/PO2 Grace Norman, Junior Supply Officer 
• C/SN Haiden Brittelle, Junior Supply Officer
• C/SN Gracyn Rivas, Junior Supply Officer
• C/ENS Alena Trujillo, Adjutant 
• C/ENS Alicia Valerio, Public Affairs Officer
• C/ENS Ming-Xiu Lo, Technology Officer
• C/PO2 Jonathan Adams, Drill Locker Officer

LAHS NJROTC 2026-27 Cadet Staff/Courtesy photo

Former NJROTC 2025-26 Cadre: C/CDRMaya Snowden, C/LCDR Matthew Haight, C/LT Noah Banks and C/MCPO  Isabella Pearson holding mini lego versions of themselves gifted by Petty Officer Pratt as a farewell  gift as they continue their journey out of NJROTC/Courtesy photo

Adding on, their hard work ultimately paid off, as the Los Alamos NJROTC unit earned the title of 2026 NM JROTC 4A State Champions for their third consecutive year! This achievement reflects not only on the cadets’ determination and perseverance, but also the strong leadership and teamwork that define the program. Winning state for a third year in a row is a remarkable accomplishment that highlights the unit’s continued excellence and commitment to success.

State Competition Placements 

Physical Training Overall 

• Females – 1st Place
• Males – 1st Place

Physical Training (Individual)

• Female Sprint Drag Carry 3rd Place – Isabella Pearson
• Male Sprint Drag Carry 3rd Place – Marcus Oviedo
• Male Sprint Drag Carry 2nd Place – Noah Banks
• Female Standing Power Throw 1st Place – Isabella Pearson
• Female 4×4 1st Place – Michelle Lo
• Male 4×4 3rd Place – Matthew Haight

Top Female Athletes

• 3rd Place – Isabella Pearson
• 2nd Place Ming – Michelle Lo

Top Male Athletes

• 3rd Place – Ashton Cody
• 2nd Place – Marcus Oviedo

Unit Inspection – 3rd Place

Armed Regulation – 1st Place

Unarmed Regulation – 1st Place

Armed Exhibition – 1st Place

Unarmed Exhibition – 1st Place

Female Colorguard – 3rd Place

Male Colorguard – 2nd Place

Best Armed Drill Regulation Commander – Lilia Keller-Moore

Best Unarmed Drill Regulation Commander – Maya Snowden

3-PEAT STATE CHAMPIONS

Marksmanship 

• Precision Prone 1st Place – Isabella Pearson
• Precision Kneeling 2nd Place – Isabella Pearson
• Precision Aggregate 3rd Place – Isabella Pearson

Precision Overall Team—2nd Place

The PT team posing after an outstanding performance of stamina and endurance. Courtesy photo

The Armed exhibition team doing their drill card forming the word “NAVY.”/Courtesy photo

The Unarmed regulation team reporting out, commanded by Maya Snowden. Courtesy photo

As the school year comes to a close, the Change of Command ceremony stands as a meaningful reminder of both reflection and transition. It honors the efforts of those who have contributed to the unit’s success while paving the way for a new generation of leaders. With a dedicated staff, motivated cadets, and a tradition of excellence, Los Alamos NJROTC is well-positioned to continue thriving in the years ahead.