On January 30, Central High School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new NJROTC Field House. This building was named in honor of Valentina Tomashosky, a student and Cadet Lieutenant who was passionate about the school’s NJROTC program before her passing.
“Today, we celebrate not just the unveiling of this extraordinary facility but also the spirit of dedication, service and community that it represents,” stated Central Principal Kelly Slusser.
Schoolboard members, builders and others who helped make the field house a reality were present to witness its grand opening. Constructed by AB Morgan, VoltAir, and Zyscovich, the building was in the works for approximately two years before its official unveiling on Thursday.
The cadet’s uniforms and several trophies earned by the high school’s elite air rifle program were on display for the momentous occasion. Gene and Christina Tomashosky, Valentina’s parents, were also on hand for the festivities.
The pair donated an extremely generous $1,000,000 towards the facility’s completion, and Valentina’s father had an answer for the cadets who asked what they could do in return for this gift.
“Continue working to be the best ROTC program ever, and most of all, no matter what direction life takes you, be the absolute best you can be,” Gene Tomashosky said. “We can think of no greater thank you than each of all of your success.”
This partnership brought the school and family closer together and will be proof of their strong bond moving forward. This center for NJROTC excellence will help build America’s future leaders and will strive to maintain the sterling quality of Central’s program for many more years.
“[Gene and Christina’s] generosity and support have made this dream a reality,” Principal Slusser continued. “[Their] commitment to honoring service and fostering leadership will impact generations of cadets to come.”
Central NJROTC Commander Christian Cruz called the construction of the field house a “significant milestone” for the high school. The facility will provide a dedicated space for the Bears’ air rifle program, which, according to the commander, will be crucial for training in a sport that teaches important life lessons, including discipline, composure, and focus.
For a program that has already earned multiple state championships and top ten finishes at the national level, this space for air rifle instruction should only help them to “elevate their game and reach new levels of competitiveness” as well as attract top-tier talent to the program, Commander Cruz said.
Beyond this, he added that the facility has “limitless potential” for hosting other types of events when the need arises. Whether it be for blood drives, special Olympic events, or simply training under cover from the elements, this field house should prove to be a versatile facility for the Bears.
“The Valentina Tomashosky NJROTC Field House is more than just a building,” Slusser said. “It is a symbol of hope, resilience and the enduring power of community. It honors Valentina’s memory and ensures that her legacy will forever be a part of the fabric of Central High School.”
