The annual JROTC Military Ball has marked the official beginning of the end of the school year for quite some time . . . so it’s doubly exciting for the Bobcat Battalion.

Planning and preparing for the ball is extensive and nerve racking and it all ended with a fun night at the Shadow Lakes Country Club April 6.

The event was originally planned for April 20, but due to many cadets being at either the Academic Games National trip or the music department’s Disney trip the ball was moved up two weeks—which only added to the preparation pressures.

The ball was planned by LET 3 and junior Rebekah Sambol.

The night started at 5:30 p.m. with the receiving line which consisted of BNCO Samantha Anderson and her date senior Alijah Smith, CSM Reese Lindemann and their date Brielle Tucker, Colonel Wilson and her wife, Sergeant Major Weaver, and Principal Snowden and his wife.

“I’ve been to a lot of military balls, but this was by far the best one yet. I had the honor of sitting at the head table, which was an incredible experience. Military ball is one of the best events of the year, and I’m going to miss it after graduation,” said Lindemann.

After everyone shook hands through the receiving line, guests made their way to their seats and watched a slideshow presentation that displayed photos from events over the last year.

OLSH student Julia Renowitz was invited to sing the National Anthem which marked the official start of the event and of dinner.

Guests could choose a chicken dinner, steak dinner, or a vegetarian option for their meal.

Dinner was followed by a cake that was cut with a saber by the youngest and oldest person in the program. Eighth grader Mikayla Silbaugh was the youngest while Col. Wilson remains the oldest (much to her dismay).

Keynote speaker Slippery Rock mayor (and Beaver Area alum) Jondavid Longo reflected on his time in the JROTC program and how his experiences affected him in the Marine Corp, politics, and time in college, while guests enjoyed their dinner.

Following dinner and dessert, speeches were given by cadets from all four LET levels.

Freshman Emily Guinto gave the LET 1 speech, sophomore Emma Capers represented the LET 2 class, LET 3 junior Camryn Thomas also spoke, as did senior LET 4 Madeline Boser.

The speeches were followed by team recognitions where Sergeant Major Weaver recognized the captains and accomplishments of the JROTC teams over the past year.

After speeches the highly anticipated awards ceremony began with awards from outside organizations.

Awards were presented from all four branches of the military, the American Legion, the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, the Order of the World Wars, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. These awards recognize athletes, musicians, academic excellence, leadership, and volunteer service.

Every cadet who wins an award has to fit specific criteria set by the organization awarding the plaque, certificate, or medal.

There were also specific awards that Col. Wilson and SGM Weaver presented to cadets including the Distinguished cadet award which is the superior cadet award’s “little brother” and recognizes one cadet in the program who is well rounded in academics, athletics, and leadership. LET 3 and junior Aiden Connelly won this award.

On their way out of the program, seniors do not receive many awards at the event but rather they claw for scholarships. Five scholarships were awarded with some reaching $1000.

For the scholarships, senior cadets either had to fit specific criteria or write an essay. Seniors Boser, Anderson, Lindemann, Gracie Turyan, and Eric Beighey won scholarships.

Beighey explained that “I am extremely appreciative of all of the awards and the scholarship I received, and for the effort that went into planning the event. Long live the king.”

Every LET level has one cadet who receives the Superior Cadet of the Year award. LET 1’s and 2’s have to participate and win two “boards.” Boards are essentially interviews where LET 4’s ask cadets questions pertaining to the program.

LET 3’s and 4’s superior cadets are chosen by SGM and Col. Freshman Madyson Uphold and sophomore Jackson Kvetko were the winners of the superior cadet awards from the boards.

Sambol and Boser were the cadets of the year for the upperclassmen for their performance over the past year.

After the awards ceremony the seniors were recognized and walked through a sword bridge with their dates on their arms. Once they reached the edge of the dance floor a slideshow with childhood memories played along with a song that each senior specifically chose.

To finish the formal portion of the evening, the military ball king and queen were crowned. Seniors Beighey and Boser were crowned the military ball king and queen.

The cadets then were able to let loose with a half hour of dancing after the award portion of the night. During open dancing time a photo booth also was offered where cadets were able to take home photos as party favors.