On September 11, 2025, Dinuba High School’s NJROTC program held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony to honor the victims, survivors, and first responders of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost that day after four hijacked planes were used in coordinated attacks against the United States, striking the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers and the Pentagon.

This year’s ceremony began with cadets raising the American flag, followed by speeches from NJROTC members and guest speakers. A large crowd of students and staff gathered to watch, with many noting that this year’s turnout was bigger than the previous year. “It was pretty nerve-wracking how many students attended, but it went very well,” Cadet Deniz shared.

Cadets described the event as one of their most successful ceremonies yet. “In my eyes, the ceremony went extremely well. All of the cadets had done their jobs effectively and made the event run as smoothly as possible,” Cadet Narajno said. While one cadet unfortunately fainted during the ceremony, the rest of the program continued respectfully and without disruption.

For many students, the event wasn’t just about performance but about meaning. “The purpose of the ceremony was to pay respect to the first responders and those who had lost their lives on September 11, 2001,” Cadet Narajno explained. Cadet Villarreal added, “The ceremony was a bunch of cadets who honored people who survived and helped others. It’s about understanding what happened that day and why we are there to honor 9/11.”

Cadet Naranjo was the Master of Ceremonies, responsible for reading the main script and issuing commands to the company. He stated, “Today we honor the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.”

Cadet Villarreal, who also spoke at the Ceremony, quoted George W. Bush: “Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.’”

The NJROTC program itself was also highlighted as an essential part of the students’ high school experience. “NJROTC is a great program that allows the average student to partake in something more during their four years of high school,” one senior Cadet Narajno reflected. “Within my four years of being in this program, I have built bonds and memories that’ll stay with me even after I graduate. I heavily encourage giving this program a chance—it’s never too late to join and be a part of our team.”

Promotions announced at the 9/11 Ceremony:

• Cadet Deniz was a Cadet Petty Officer 1st Class and was promoted to Cadet Chief Petty Officer.

• Cadet Peñaloza was a Cadet Petty Officer 1st Class and was promoted to Cadet Chief Petty Officer.

• Cadet Villarreal was a Cadet Petty Officer 1st Class and was promoted to Cadet Chief Petty Officer.

• Cadet Vargas was a Cadet Petty Officer 1st Class and was promoted to Cadet Chief Petty Officer.