Stanhope Elmore JROTC hosts annual awards program

Student cadets were honored for the achievements and community service at the annual Stanhope Elmore High School JROTC awards program.

It was a day to recognize cadets in front of their peers, family and school faculty.

“It has been a pleasure to watch these cadets become better citizens,” SE JROTC instructor CSM Nathaniel Bartee said. “I have watched them give up their personal time to support the community and this school.”

Many of the battalion’s nearly 190 student cadets received awards, but not all. Some received multiple awards and recognitions. 

“But they have all worked hard,” Bartee said. “Next year most of them will get the opportunity to demonstrate their citizenship and earn these prestigious awards which exemplify their commitment to serve the community, this school, the Corps of Cadets and themselves.” 

The program is evident everywhere. SE principal Ewell Fuller said there is not a school event or happening JROTC cadets are not participating in.

“They were out blowing leaves off the road the morning before Coach Foshee’s funeral,” Fuller said. “They are doing things in support of the school and community even before you can ask them for help.”

Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley helped present community service certificates to cadets who volunteered at least 150 hours in the community. They were Kaylee Simmons, Quinterris Rivers, Harmonee Fair, Zylan Foulks and William Griffin.

Fuller gave the principal’s award to Kaylee Simmons for demonstrating exceptional dedication and hard work in the JROTC program and the local community. 

“Your commitment to learning and helping others with a positive attitude is an inspiration to us all,” Fuller said.

Kloe Peterson was awarded the Let 1 Superior Cadet Award. The Let 2 Superior Cadet Award was given to Emmanuel Peralta. Nicholas Frazier was given the Let 3 Superior Cadet Award. The Let 4 Superior Cadet Award went to Quinterris Rivers.

Distinguished Cadet Awards went to Jonah Henderson, Alaya Holmes, Maria Escobar and Danaveah Timmons.

The Student Government Award was presented to Blake Schleinkofer, Zoie Ball, Harmonee Fair and Kaylee Simmons.

Varsity Athletic Ribbons were given to Joseph Griffin, William Griffin, Gabriella Brown, Emanuel Peralta, Katie Haigler, Liam Felio, Ramsey Grimes, Janiya King, Elizabeth McShine, Nicholas Frazier and Kassidy Lowman.

The Air National Guard Red Tail Commendation Award was presented to Taye Crawford.

Dylan Chavez received the Alabama Army National Guard Army Values Award.

The American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award went to Zoie Ball and the American Legion General Military Excellence Award was awarded to Zylan Foulks.

Rekeria Tyes received the Association of the United States Army Award.

The Daedalian Award was awarded to Maria Escobar.

Simmons received the Daughters of the American Revolution Award.

The Kiwanis Leadership Award went to Daneaveah Timmons. 

Taven Cox was awarded the Military Officers Association of America Award.

The Military Order of World Wars Award went to Jasmine Snow.

Aiden Sowell was given the Military Order of the Purple Heart Award.

The Scottish Rite Award went to Quinterrius Rivers.

Emanuel Peralta was presented the Sons of the American Revolution Award.

The United States Army Recruiting Award went to Crystal Hale and Lyric Robinson.

Kamori Gipson was awarded the United States Air Force Aim High Award.

The United States Coast Guard Leadership Award was presented to Quindarius Cook.

Allison Acosta was awarded the United States Marine Corp Leadership Award. 

The United States Navy Leadership Award was presented to Xavier Maddox.

Olivia Lawrence was awarded the United States Space Force Award.

JROTC Athletics Award for getting 50% or higher on all five parts of the Cadet Challenge were given to William Griffin, Joseph Griffin and Blake Schleinkofer.

The Noncommissioned Officers Association for JROTC Award was awarded to Janieh Wise.

Warrant Officer Association Awards went to Kevin McShine, Jakayla Milton, Ashley Trejo and Zylan Foulks. 

Aaiden Moorer was given the Reserve Officers Association Award. The Enlisted Association JROTC Award was presented to James Bruno.

Recipients of the Top 5 Cadet Challenge Female Awards went to Tiffany Edwards, Ramsey Grimes, Neaheayia Palmore Graham, Lyric Robinson and Gabriella Brown. Top 5 Cadet Challenge Male Awards were given to Caleb Allen, Emanuel Peralta, Taven Cox, William Griffin and Joseph Griffin.

The Senior Army Instructor Leadership Award was given to Kloe Peterson, Jasmine Snow, Maria Escobar and Zylan Foulks.

The ceremony saw the announcement of new cadet leadership. Maria Escobar will follow Kaylee Simmons as cadet battalion commander. A change of command ceremony will be held at a later day.