On Friday, October 23, former Air Force Jr. ROTC cadet Joshua Haddad (Class of ’26) was honored in a special ceremony on the campus of Salem Tech. For his act of heroism in May 2026 in which he and his father helped rescue a mother and child at the scene of a motor vehicle accident, Cadet Haddad received the AFJROTC Gold Valor Award, the highest and rarest decoration a cadet can earn. Distinguished members of the State and County government were on hand, joining Cadet Haddad’s family and friends, school administration, and community stakeholders to celebrate this momentous achievement.
Here is a link to the 6abc.com coverage of the Gold Valor Award ceremony: https://6abc.com/post/heroic-rescue-earns-jrotc-graduate-rare-gold-valor-award/19974326.
Cadet Haddad is a disciplined scholar-leader with a strong foundation built through the Air Force Jr. ROTC. A 2026 graduate of the Electrical Technology program at Salem Tech at the age of 17, he successfully balanced technical certifications, dual-enrollment college courses, varsity athletics, and active participation in the student government, chess club, and art/literature club. His outstanding teamwork and leadership earned him multiple accolades, including the Most Outstanding Senior Award and the Dean Wood “Spark of Life” Memorial Award.
Currently pursuing business and chemistry degrees at Rowan College of South Jersey, Cadet Haddad translates his leadership training directly into civic and personal roles. He serves as Youth President at Elyon Bible Church, trains in mixed martial arts, and is an accomplished multi-instrumental musician.
