The end of the year JROTC event, Military Ball, is just around the corner, and there’s much to know in order to be prepared for the annual celebration.

Mil Ball will take place March 26 at Seven Oaks Country Club in Brighton Township.

All JROTC cadets must fill out the Mil Ball form in their Schoology courses before February 15 to select what they want for diner, if they will bring a date, and if they will be using school transportation to get to the ball.

Mil Ball is a mandatory event for all cadets in JROTC and it’s only open to those students unless invited to the ball by a current JROTC student.

All LET levels (grades 8 through 12) may bring a date regardless of what school that they attend as long as they supply their date’s name and what their date wants for dinner when the JROTC student completes the Mil Ball form.

Seniors are allowed to invite additional guests such as family members.

Dress code for the ball includes formal floor-length dresses for all girls and JROTC uniform for boys in the program. Guys who attend as dates should wear formal attire.

Tickets for the ball are $35 include dinner and the night’s activities. All ticket money is given to either Colonel Deborah Wilson or Sergeant Major Oscar Weaver.

Before you think that Mil Ball is just prom with uniforms, understand that there’s more to it. The evening includes an awards ceremony. Awards can be given to cadets for their dedication to the program, performance in the program, academic performance, and more.

Seniors cadets also will be honored at the ball during the senior walk and senior slideshow send off.

And what’s a ceremony without a few speeches? Each LET level selects a cadet to give a speech and represent their class at the ball. This speech is up to the selected cadet and they are permitted to talk about their experience in the program.

Last year’s Mil Ball did not allow dancing due to COVID restrictions. This year, as of now, dancing will be permitted—and encouraged.

The event is organized by the Staff Primary, S-6, First Lieutenant Brenna Schnupp and her assistants.

“The Beaver Area High School JROTC program is excited to begin preparations for our 25th Annual Military Ball in March of this year. This annual event is a fun time for all Cadets and their guests to enjoy the military traditions of a formal event along with some much needed entertainment. We will celebrate this year's accomplishment and cap off the evening with a DJ and dancing. Look for pictures to be posted soon!” said Colonel Wilson.