A group of Amsterdam High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC (MCJROTC) cadets were formally recognized on June 24, by Montgomery County Executive Pete Vroman for completing the Spartan Super Race held earlier this month. The proclamation ceremony took place at 6 p.m. at the Montgomery County Office Building in Fonda.
The cadets were presented with an official county proclamation acknowledging their participation in the Spartan Super Race on June 7, a rigorous 10K course featuring more than 25 physical obstacles. The challenge tested their endurance, strength and teamwork. The cadets trained for several months in preparation while balancing academic responsibilities, leadership roles, and community service commitments.
The proclamation was issued by County Executive Pete Vroman and Legislative Chairman Michael Pepe. It recognized the cadets for their perseverance and commitment to the core values of the Marine Corps: honor, courage and commitment. The recognition also highlighted the importance of youth leadership programs such as MCJROTC in fostering resilience and civic responsibility among students.
The following individuals were recognized:
Ryan Adams, Cadet Commanding Officer
Kimberly Maldonado, Cadet Operations Officer
Ian McClary
Antonio Billington
Jason Billington (parent participant)
Rjay Rivera
Miguel Medina
In addition to honoring the cadets, the MCJROTC program recognized Montgomery County Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mental health coordinator Sara Boerenko. Boerenko was presented with a folded American flag and a Certificate of Commendation from the cadets in appreciation of her efforts in securing funding through the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program. Her support was instrumental in making the cadets’ participation in the Spartan Super Race possible.
This summer, the cadets will begin training for their next challenge—the 21K Spartan Beast Race scheduled for September 13 at Killington Ski Resort in Vermont.