The Linden High School NJROTC on Wednesday gave a check for $1,300 to Susan G. Komen North Jersey to help find a cure for breast cancer and to aid those afflicted with the disease.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, all cadets wore pink aiguillettes, decorative braids on their shoulders.
Commander Boyd Decker gave all the credit for the project to Regimental Executive Officer Bermuda Pierre, a LHS senior who thought it would be good for the NJROTC to raise money to fight breast cancer. Each cadet who participated was responsible for raising at least $20, to cover the cost of the pink aiguillette and the remainder would be donated.
The program has 450 cadets; 130 took part in raising money.
“Maybe next year it will be $3,000 or $4,000,” he told the cadets.
Tina Jacobs, director of community health for Susan G. Komen North Jersey, visited the school to accept the donation and give the cadets a short presentation. Jacobs, a 20-year breast cancer survivor herself, told the students about the history of her organization and said much of the work she does is to help patients who don’t have insurance.
Decker said he hopes to continue the tradition started by Pierre, and would like to see it grow.
Jacobs said she was thrilled when she got a call from Decker about the donation.
“Thank you, thank you!” Jacobs told the cadets. “I hope to be back here next year.”
Photo Caption: In the front row are Chief Petty Officer Mark Velez, Commander Boyd Decker, Regimental Command Master Chief Janali Casanas, Regimental Executive Officer Bermuda Pierre, Tina Jacobs of Susan G. Komen North Jersey, Regimental Commanding Officer Jet’aime Thompson, Regimental Operations Officer Alexandra Alvarez, and Linden High School Principal Yelena Horre.
Regimental Executive Officer Bermuda Pierre with Tina Jacobs, director of community health for Susan G. Komen North Jersey.
All the cadets wore pink aiguillettes on their uniforms on Wednesday for breast cancer awareness.