Pictured above are the NJROTC seniors being recognized at the End-of-Year Awards Night, l-r: Burl Stephens, Brent Taylor, Amanda Morgan, James Clark, Nathan Boyd, Chris Lynch, and Gary Burke.

NJROTC Awards Ceremony and Change of Command

The Pendleton County High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) unit held their End-of-Year Awards Night and Change-of-Command in the high school gym on Friday, April 21, 2006. Many cadets were recognized for their contributions to the unit and service to the community with medals, ribbons, certificates, plaques and trophies. Also, fourteen cadets were promoted and received their new rank.

Some highlights of the evening included Mr. Clay Clifford receiving a standing ovation prior to presenting the DAV Leadership medal. Specialist Chad Applegate who recently returned from a year long tour in Iraq also received a standing ovation prior to presenting the Army Leadership award. Cadet Daniel Jolly was awarded the Meritorious Achievement ribbon, the highest award in the NJROTC program for helping save a neighbor's house and possibly lives in a fire last September. Cadet Adam Jackson was awarded the "Broken Rifle" trophy for his utmost dedication to the NJROTC Drill Team. The 8th grade NJROTC Club from Sharp Middle School was represented as well, and several members received certificates and ribbons.

The Graduating seniors were recognized with certificates from State Senators and Representatives thanks to the tireless efforts of Mr. Bill Ashcraft, a staunch supporter of the NJROTC program. The seniors also received commemorative key chains and certificates from the unit, and several seniors gave departing speeches, bringing tears to many. Cadets Brittany Bryant and Kim Wallace sang the song "These Are the Days", a moving tribute to the graduates.

The final phase of the evening was the Change-of-Command in which the outgoing Commanding Officer, Cadet Patrick Calvert handed over command of the unit to Cadet Anthony Eplin by passing the unit's guidon banner, command gavel, and his command aiguillette, a tradition of this unit. A part of the ceremony also included the outgoing Executive Officer Cadet Gary Burke passing his XO aiguillette to the new XO, Cadet Tabitha Helvey.

Congratulations to all the cadets for another successful and exciting year, good luck to the new staff, and "fare winds and following seas" to the seniors.