MINT HILL, NC – The Independence High School AFJROTC program recently held its Annual Awards Ceremony on campus. This year’s recipients of these prestigious awards include the following cadets.
Director of Military Instruction Certificate of Commendation – Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, Lily Todd
Leadership Excellence Award – Cadet Colonel, Andrew Whetstone
Scholastic Excellence Award – Cadet Second Lieutenant, Tyler Whetstone
Excellence in Citizenship Award – Cadet Master Sergeant Marienne, Varillas-Ramos
AFJROTC Outstanding Cadet Award – AS100: Second Lieutenant, Tyler Whetstone, AS200: Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, Lily Todd, AS400: Cadet Captain, Camila Alonzo, Cadet Captain Michael Ramos, Cadet Major, Berina Rucic.
Daughters of the American Revolution – Cadet Major, A’Myah Armstead
American Legion Scholastic Achievement Award – Cadet Second Lieutenant, Luke Von- Kaenel
American Legion Military Excellence Award – Cadet Colonel, Andrew Whetstone
Sons of the American Revolution – Cadet Master Sergeant, Savannah Silva
Scottish American Military Award – Cadet Technical Sergeant, Jasmine Vasquez
Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction – Cadet Master Sergeant, Kaitlyn Whetstone
Tuskegee Airman Award – Cadet Staff Sergeant, Maxon Donald
Non-Commissioned Officer Association Award – Cadet Sergeant Major, Britney Ramirez
The awards ceremony is attended and presented by members of each organization who issue the medals to the deserving cadets selected by the team of AFJROTC aerospace instructors at the high school. The senior Aerospace Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel, Jeffrey Jenkins, (Retired), is also the Commander, Mint Hill American Legion Post 555, Inc.
The parents and family members are invited to attend to a ceremony honoring the recipients. Also, the Squadron of cadets are on hand to support their friends and fellow students as a Spirit of Corp is instilled by the instructors.
Some of the graduating cadets have been accepted and will be attending some prestigious colleges and universities which include Duke University, Yale University, and at various universities within the University of North Carolina academic system of higher education.
JROTC programs build character and instill lifelong skills which include teamwork, hard work, commitment, citizenship, leadership, scholastic excellence, civic duty, goal setting, and community service activities.
