Cadets Celebrate Year’s Work

By Alexandra Gutierrez

Every year JROTC members look forward to one thing after months of hard work: Military ball. And on Jan. 14, it was no different. At the Randolph Brooks Officers Club, the cadets shed their uniforms and let loose for the evening.

Month after month, cadets line up early in the morning to train, practice and prepare for competition, but now is the time of year they shed the uniforms and have a little fun. 

“We always do a lot from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, but this is a nice change of pace,” junior cadet captain Michel Willis said. “The whole ROTC family gets together and has a little fun.”

The first hour of the ball is very ceremonial and traditional. The have some parents from the booster club and even some people from the city seated as special guests. The flags are raised and toasts are given to the school district and the people who helped them get to where they are today. They also honor the men and women in uniform; the people missing in action and the prisoners of war. The cadets also reflect on their time spent in JROTC with their friends and family.

“It’s an honor to be with the Mavericks,” senior cadet captain Sarah Olivares said. “But I don’t think we’re any more of a family than the other groups at our sister schools.”

The part after the ceremony is a tad bit less traditional. This is the time when everyone is able to dance, take pictures and act on a few traditions. Every year the drill team serenades the ladies with the same love song every year during the ball in front of all to see. This is also when the king, queen and all the prince and princesses are named. This year, seniors Jacob Aroacha and Sarah Olivares were named king and queen. The staff escort and sweetheart are also named along with the prince and princesses for the Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo Companies. For the commanders and staff sergeant, it’s an honor for them to see these young people be honored for their achievements.

“When you’ve been in the military for years,” staff sergeant Rodrigo Nunez said. “And you see young people in your footsteps, it makes you proud to see excellent future soldiers to defend my pride after I retire.”

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