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Senior Chief Petty Officer Andy Lista » Greetings!

Greetings!

Senior Chief Lista retired from the U.S. Navy in 2015 after 26 years of service that includes three ship's company tours for five deployments, a Marine Forces Reserve tour as the Inspector & Instructor Operations Chief, and an overseas tour. He joined the Navy from his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii, upon graduating from Farrington High School. Senior Chief is married to Crystal and has four daughters. As a certified Naval Science Instructor, Senior Chief Lista joined the PLHS staff to begin the 2020-2021 school year.
 

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November 2025 Newsletter

Greetings, PLHS JROTC families!
 
Follow this link to read our recent newsletter created by your Cadets.
 
Additionally, you can find more information on our events and daily plans through the unit's website.
 
Thank you for a successful first semester.  The Cadets and the unit are not able to accomplish much without your support, whether it is allowing them to participate with our teams and other events outside of school hours, providing goods and snacks to enjoy as well as for nourishment, lending a hand with the booster club ([email protected]) in support of our Cadets, to name a few.
 
I hope you enjoy a safe holiday season with our winter break kicking off this Friday for a return to school on January 5th.
 
Best,
Andy Lista, HMCS, USN(ret)

NJROTC Newsletter and Upcoming Events

Greetings!
 
Your Cadets have, again, put together an outstanding newsletter!  Please take some time to read and enjoy their work of beauty.
 
Following are events coming up that your Cadet may be involved in.  Italicized events are during school hours.
  • Annual Food Drive to fight hunger this season with the San Diego Food Bank.  We accept donations of nonperishable food items such as canned goods, dried foods, cereal, etc, but no glass containers please now through the month of November.  They can be dropped off in the red donation bin in the front office entrance, at the JROTC classroom, or contact the JROTC instructors or a Cadet you know to pick them up from your class.  Donations can also be made via the Virtual Food Drive at sandiegofoodbank.org/holiday.
  • Nov 5:  The JROTC Academic Team competes in the Brigade (district) finals vs Scripps Ranch, Hoover, and Patrick Henry at the Revere Center.  Cadets will need to be excused at 2:30 pm.
  • Nov 5:  JLAB (JROTC Leadership Academic Bowl) Team 1 during Period 4
  • Nov 7:  Color Guard at Cabrillo Elementary's Veteran's Day Assembly at 7:45 am.
  • Nov 7:  Color Guard at Loma Portal Elementary's Veteran's Day Assembly at 8:15 am.
  • Nov 7:  Color Guard at Dewey Elementary' Veteran's Day Assembly at 1 pm.
  • Nov 13:  JROTC Showcase at Grant Middle School
  • Nov 14:  CyberPatriot XIII Round 2 - Periods 4 through 6 (20 Cadets)
  • Nov 15:  Brain Brawl (academic competition) at Pacifica HS
  • Nov 17:  JROTC Showcase at Correia Middle School
  • Nov 18:  JLAB Team 2 during Period 4
  • Nov 19:  Archery League Round 1 - PL hosts Mira Mesa at 4 pm.
  • Nov 20:  Color Guard - Peninsula Community Senior Center 11 am
  • Nov 21:  JROTC's annual Thanksgiving potluck meal - Periods 3-4
  • Dec 6:  PLHS NJROTC hosts Brain Brawl.
  • Dec 12:  JROTC Army-Navy Flag Football - Point Loma @ Lincoln
If you are available and want to assist with JROTC events, please contact our booster club via email at [email protected].
 
As always, contact the instructors if you have any questions, and thank you for your continued support.
 
~ Senior Chief Lista
619.860.5000 x2008

What is Going On with PLHS JROTC?

Greetings!
 
This is what is up, or at least coming up.
 
  • Oct 22:  Academic League at Crawford - early release for four Cadets (currently in the running for the Finals/Champs round)
  • Oct 24:  CyberPatriot XIII Round 1 - excuse 20 Cadet team members TBA for Periods 1 through 4
  • Oct 24:  JROTC volunteers at Ocean Beach Elementary Fall Festival - after school
  • Oct 24:  JROTC volunteers at Loma Portal Elementary Monster Bash - after school
  • Oct 25:  JROTC volunteers at Silver Gate Elementary Harvest Festival - Saturday
  • Oct 26:  JROTC volunteers at Silver Gate Elementary cleanup - Sunday (morning)
  • Oct 28:  Color Guard at SDUSD BOE - after school
  • Nov 1:    NJROTC Area 21 Field Meet (competition vs 15 other NJROTC units from SoCal) - Saturday
  • Nov 4:   Cadet Challenge Fall 2025 (physical fitness test) - will request that our Period 6 Cadets be tested during another period due to track unavailability
Did you know that the PLHS JROTC unit has a booster club just as many of the schools athletic teams and clubs do?  These are generally parents of the students participating in those specific groups in which they organize and manage fundraisers as well as volunteer to assist with our many events for the success of the Cadets, NJROTC program, and PLHS.  This year, JROTC has the privilege of having all of it's booster club officers as parents/graduate having no student in our program plus one parent providing critical assistance that does have a Cadet.  If you are interested in helping the unit in some way, please contact our booster club at [email protected].
 
As always feel free to contact the instructors for any questions or concerns that you may have at [email protected] or [email protected] or via phone at (619)860-5000 ext 2007 or 2008.

PLHS JROTC Journal

Greetings!
 
I have not posted since the start of the school year as we have been keeping up with our high optempo of a schedule.
 
Coming up this Saturday is a color guard meet hosted by Fallbrook Union High School for our three competitive teams with our transportation departing at 6:30 am.  Also on Saturday is the Massing of the Colors where dozens of color guard units, including our own, will participate in celebration of our national ensign at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, and it is open to all spectators.  This color guard team is separate from those competing at Fallbrook.
 
Later in the month, we will be assisting local feeder schools with their respective fall festivals:  Oct 24th at Ocean Beach Elem and Loma Portal Elem.  Oct 25th will be Silver Gate Elementary's Harvest Festival.  In all events, our Cadets are volunteers with the game and food booths, cleanup, and other duties as needed.  Each event counts towards being rewarded the Community Service ribbon to be worn on their uniform.
 
To see how busy we have been last month, see the attached newsletter put together by your very own Cadets.
 
*You are receiving this post because you have provided me with your email address with your Cadet's paperwork this year or in previous years.  If you wish to not receive further notifications, please let me know and I will remove your email address.
 
Feel free to contact us, the instructors, if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Regards,
Senior Chief Andy Lista, USN (Ret)
(619)860-5000 x2007/2008

Welcome Back!

Greetings, Parents, Guardians, and all Stakeholders of the Point Loma High School NJROTC Unit!
 
We have completed the first week of school and have hit the ground running!  This second week won't be any different.
 
First, if you are receiving this notification, and your son/daughter is no longer in the program, please allow us some time to update our contact list for this year.
 
All our Cadets, new and old, have been super excited for the new year and the possibilities they can achieve as member of the unit.  Whether it be through competitions, learning new skills, gaining an idea or making a plan for future aspirations, or the knowledge, friendship, or a sense of belonging, they will not be without any options as a member of this fast-growing, highly motivated, impactful unit.
 
As a parent, guardian, or stakeholder, you are also a member.  Your continued support is vital in maintaining your Cadet's interest, participation, and the longevity of PLHS NJROTC.  You can further support through the unit's Booster Club.  They can be contacted via email at [email protected].
 
A recent email was released regarding their next meeting scheduled for tomorrow evening, August 19, at 6 pm in the JROTC classroom.  You may also join via Zoom.  Here is the email in case you did not receive it:
 
Good Morning Cadet Families,
 
I hope you had a great summer!

As the year kicks off for NJROTC, the booster club is inviting parents to come and support this program. We are having a meeting on August 19th in the NJROTC classroom at 6 and an additional zoom link for those that cannot attend in person. 
 
Here is the zoom link:
Contact Randy Beach if you are experiencing technical difficulties: 619-316-6477 [email protected]
 
Feel free to contact the instructors if you have any questions or concerns or desire a meeting.
 
Have great week!
 
Sincerely,
Senior Chief Andy Lista
(619)860-5000 ext 2008

Summer Break!

We finished off a spectacular year for PLHS JROTC!  A tough schedule kept the unit competitive and in display of their skills and character.  Your Cadets remained active until the last day of school with meeting Color Guard requests, orienteering, and assisted the school on graduation day as they always do.  Currently, we have a number of Cadets attending the SDUSD JCLC (Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge), usually reserved for Army JROTC, and will be graduating this weekend.  If you attended the End-of-Year Awards Ceremony, thank you.  Your Cadets' achievements are a testament to your support in their and the program's success.
 
Oh!  The unit is also recognized and awarded as Distinguished Unit with Honors for NJROTC Area 21!
 
We are returning next year with the largest enrollment of first-year Cadets since the pandemic.  Your Cadets will be instrumental in their guidance and mentorship of these plebes.  Others are not returning as they have other interests more in line with their future plans.  We wish them only the best and hope that all they've learned as a Cadet will, in some way, be impactful in their life ahead.
 
Here is a quick snapshot of our known and scheduled events through the summer.
 
  • Jun 2 -7:  JCLC, USD
  • Jun 9 - 13:  CyberCamp, PLHS JROTC
  • Jun 17 - 21:  Leadership Academy, Ramona HS
  • Jun 19 - 21:  Sail Academy Session I, Fiddler's Cove (Coronado)
  • Jun 23 - 25:  Sail Academy Session II (same location)
  • Aug 6 - 8:  Student Registration, PLHS
  • Aug 8:  Freshman Orientation, PLHS
  • Aug 9:  NS1 (First-Year JROTC Cadets) Orientation, PLHS
  • Aug 11:  First Day of School
  • Aug 30:  Basic Leadership Training (NS1s), location TBD
If you received this notification, my contact list remains the same.  I will use an updated once school begins.
 
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe summer.

Brigade Pass in Review

Here are some additional information for the event this weekend.
 
Who:  SDUSD JROTC Brigade (14 JROTC units)
What:  Pass in Review, Awards, and Change of Command Ceremony
When:  May 3, 2025, at 2025, 9:00 am
Where:  Kearny High School Athletic Field
Why:  Dignitary review of the Brigade, recognize each unit's top-performing Cadets, and the relief and turnover of command of the Brigade.
 
Unless otherwise informed, your Cadet is expected to report to the PLHS JROTC classroom no later than 7:30 am of May 3rd.  They have been instructed to wear their Naval Service Uniform which must be cleaned and pressed.  They can bring their relax-fit jackets, but cannot wear them while in formation and throughout the pass-in-review and awards (if they are a recipient).
 
Parents, guardians, and all stakeholders are invited to attend.  The suggested seating area on the bleachers for all PLHS JROTC supporters is on the far right as you are facing the field.  Your Cadets will be formed up as the unit second from the right end, and your seating area should be directly in front of them.
 
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
 
 

ICYMI

The following is an email sent by the Booster Club:
 

Hello Cadet Families,

We are still looking to fill spots for next year’s Booster Board, so we have extended the deadline for nominations to the end of this month.  If you are interested and willing to volunteer some time to serve on the board next year, or would like to nominate another booster member for a position, please contact Board President Karen Bhatt at [email protected].  We are happy to answer any specific questions or concerns regarding the roles and responsibilities of any of the officer positions.

Also - please save the date for our end of year event, which will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at the school.  We are planning on serving dinner beforehand beginning at 4:30pm, with the ceremony commencing at 5:30pm in the big gym.  It would be so helpful to have several volunteers who are able to assist us with setup and food service.  You can email our Board President Karen Bhatt at [email protected] if you are able to come and help - we would very much appreciate it!

Thank you,

PLHS NJROTC Booster Club
Patty Wu
VP Communications
267-575-1137

Pass-in-Review

This weekend is the Brigade (District) Pass-in-Review to view the entire Brigade of 14 JROTC units and to recognize 11 individual Cadets from each.  Additionally, a changeover ceremony will take place where one of our own Cadets will be taking the reign of the entire Brigade for next school year.

All parents, friends, and stakeholders are invited to join.  The ceremony will take place at Kearny High School's athletic field and will start at 9:00 am.

As always, feel free to contact the instructors with any questions or concerns you may have.

Spring Break!

Spring break commences at the end of the school day on Friday, March 28th.  Classes resume on April 7th, a modified Monday as well as a PT day for Cadets.  There are no activities planned for JROTC during the break.
 
The PLHS JROTC Booster Club will hold it's General Meeting on April 8th.  All parents of current and future PLHS Cadets are welcome to join and submit nominations Booster Club officer positions for next school year.
 
Each year Cadets in all SDUSD JROTC programs must have a completed and signed consent form on file with the host unit/school.  Current and returning Cadets will be bringing these home in May for completion and returned to the instructors before the last day of school.  Students cannot be enrolled in any SDUSD JROTC programs without this form.  A link to the form (Spanish version included) for your preview is provided.
 
Feel free to contact us as needed.
 

PLHS JROTC Upcoming Events

Greetings,
 
Here is a quick snapshot of our events for March.  All are invited and welcome as spectators for these events except where indicated.  Communicate with your Cadet(s) for specifics.
 
Date - Event
5 - Archery at Patrick Henry HS
7- Princess Project (must be scheduled)
8 - Exhibition Drill at USS MIDWAY
10 - Booster Club meeting (JROTC classroom) 6 pm
15 - SuparBrawl (academic) Competition at USS MIDWAY
15 - CADET BALL (Cadets only) at Town & Country Convention Ctr (6-12 pm)
19 - Archery at Morse HS
21 - Cadet Chief Petty Officers' pinning ceremony (during lunch)
22 - Drone Competition at Corona HS
22 - Orienteering at Chollas Lake Park (tentative participation)
27 - Cadet Challenge (physical fitness test - during school hours)
29 - California Centershot Bullseye State Tournament (Archery) at Orange County First Assembly, Santa Ana
March 31 - April 4:  SPRING BREAK (no activities or events planned)
 
Feel free to contact the instructors, if you have any questions or concerns.

NJROTC Area 21 Field Meet: Wildcard at Ramona

Our teams did not fair well at the Murrieta Mesa field meet on Jan 25, coming away with just one award:  4th place tie in the female curl-ups by c/SA Fukumoto.  The overall performance of all the Cadets were at their highest level seen since the pandemic, which resulted with grueling hours of practice and on their own time (usually after school).  Regardless of the outcome, each Cadet were in high spirits and enjoyed the experience and camaraderie that these events provide.
 
The Cadets have another chance at making it to the Area 21 field meet finals (aka the Super Bowl) as they are eligible to compete in the Wildcard this Saturday at Ramona HS.  It will be nearly a carbon copy of the day two-weeks prior, at least in the preparation leading up to the meet.
 
The bus departs at 6:00 am, so each Cadet will need to be at the JROTC classroom by 5:30 am to assist with loading and being accounted for.  There are more Cadets participating this weekend than in the last one.
 
You may have received an email from our booster club for any assistance at the meet in support of the Cadets.  If able and interested, please contact them via email at [email protected].  Support can come in different forms such donations for lunch and snacks or being there to provide them those items.
 
Families, loved ones, and all stakeholders are encouraged to also attend as spectators.  The Cadets may deny it, but they would surely enjoy that.  Who doesn't want any recognition?
 
Let us know if you have any questions, and we humbly thank you for all the support you have given to your Cadets and the unit.

Brigade Regulation Drill Competition

During the school year, the 14 JROTC units in SDUSD, collectively and under the oversight of the Brigade, compete in various events to test their skills as well as to showcase specific talents.  These range from academics, archery, drill, among others, are awarded in each category and cumulatively for the grand prize at the end of the year, the Stillwell Award.
 
Tomorrow, February 1st, beginning at 9:00 am, the drill and color guard teams from each unit will meet at Patrick Henry High School.  Any PLHS Cadets that are participating will need to report to the unit classroom by 7 am to ensure immediate boarding and departure of the bus as scheduled.  We anticipate a return between 3:30 - 4 pm.  Lunch will be provided.  Cadets that have their own transportation should convey their plans to their leadership and/or the instructors.  Cadets that want to spectate but don't have a form of transportation can join the teams on the bus.
 
Families and friends are more than welcome to attend and give their Cadets and the unit support throughout the day.
 
Thank you for your continued support.

Area Manager's Inspection 2025

Parents, guardians, and all other stakeholders of PLHS NJROTC are invited to attend the Pass-in-Review ceremony portion of this year's AMI to include presentation of awards and armed drill team exhibition.
 
When:  January 16, 2025 at 3:00 pm.
Where:  PLHS softball field
Why:  Inspection required annually
 
No RSVP required, but do check-in at the front office.  Parking may be limited on campus.  Off-campus, street-parking can be found in the immediate surroundings.

Shoe Drive

Greetings! JROTC's shoe drive has been successful thanks to you! We are still accepting donations until our return from the holidays, so please continue sharing this information. Contact us or your Cadet so a pick-up or drop-off can be arranged. Happy Holidays!
JROTC's CyberPatriot teams (Pack Mentality, The Dog Pound, and Paw Control) competed in the state round on 13 December.
Background image Senior Chief Petty Officer Andy Lista`s profile picture
Name
Senior Chief Petty Officer Andy Lista
Position
NJROTC Naval Science Instructor
Email
alista@sandi.net
Website
Visit website
Phone
619-860-5000 Ext. 2008
760-392-0044 (cell)
Other
Senior Chief Lista retired from the U.S. Navy in 2015 after 26 years of service. He joined the Navy from his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii, upon graduating from Farrington High School. Senior Chief is married to Crystal and has four daughters. As a certified Naval Science Instructor, Senior Chief Lista joined PLHS to begin the 2020 school year.
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