The U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Shepard High School concluded its academic year recently with an awards ceremony honoring cadets who distinguished themselves.
Many national organizations presented awards to students for scholastic excellence, JROTC leadership and involvement, conduct, and military bearing.
Students named the top cadets in their academic class include freshman, Camila Krystek; sophomore, Patrick Corrigan; junior, John Anthony Alvarado; and, senior Emma Sacharian.
Students who won national awards included John Anthony Alvarado, Air Force Association Award for leadership and academic achievement in a non-senior cadet; Emma Sacharian, American Legion AFJROTC Scholastic Excellence Award; Kieran Haak, American Legion AFJROTC General Military Excellence Award.
Also, Christopher Warren, American Veterans (AMVETS) Award for character, academic excellence, and leadership; Lauren Sinisi, Reserve Organization of America Award for academic excellence and service to JROTC; Dulce Lopez, Military Order of World Wars Award for achievements and service in JROTC.
Also, Joseph Cardinal, Retired Enlisted Association Award for leadership; Colin Blanks, Military Officers Association of America award for military leadership, academic achievement, and character.
Also, Deztini Dickerson, Daughters of the American Revolution Award for academic achievement, leadership, military bearing and excellence in AFJROTC; Katherine Cain, Sons of the American Revolution Award for academic achievement, military bearing, and excellence in AFJROTC.
Also, Haylee Schaer, Veterans of Foreign Wars Award for military bearing and conduct, academic excellence, and leadership; Patrick Corrigan, National Sojourners Award for leadership and academic excellence; Dylan Tracy, Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction Award for academic excellence, dependability, patriotism, and self-discipline.
Also, Juan Hernandez, Military Order of the Purple Heart Award for leadership, support of JROTC activities, and academic achievement; Emily Armstrong, Air Force Sergeants Association Award for academic excellence, leadership, and discipline.
Also, Karol Kos, Air Commando Association Award for integrity, leadership, and self-discipline; Ravi Jahangir and Ahmad Hadad, Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated Award, for academic excellence and dedication to JROTC; and, Muhammad Siddiqui, Celebrate Freedom Foundation Award for academic excellence, positive attitude, courtesy, appearance, and judgment.
The Junior ROTC curriculum includes history, leadership, citizenship, physical fitness, and military drill. Students who enroll in JROTC, which fulfills the district’s physical education requirement, do not have any obligation to enlist in the military after high school.
