This past March, Delta High School’s JROTC program hosted its 20th annual JROTC ball. Every year, for the past 20 years, the program has had a night of special guests, a catered dinner, and of course a fun dancefloor at the end of the night. But what makes this dance different from all of the others that the high school hosts?
The cadets of the program spend practically all year planning and preparing for the ball. From decorations to food, this time of year is a whirlwind of excitement and celebration. Senior Morgan Farmer, part of leading the cadets, said “It’s a lot of hard work and dedication. This year it started with setting up people in charge and inviting a guest speaker and progressed to ordering food and decorations and planning the script.”
Although the program is all students, the ball is still a formal, military-style format complete with formal dining, formal wear, speeches, and awards.
A cadet who has worked especially hard is sophomore Eric Uribe. He often steps up with organizing such events. “The leadership is great, we have numerous cadets helping out,” said Uribe.
Every year, the JROTC program tries to get a special guest to speak for the cadets and other guests who might come. “There are special guests arriving such as the JROTC Command Sergeant Major, our POW/MIA’s, and our supporters of our program,” said Farmer. The program wants to impress these guests with all of the hard work they have put in throughout the years.
For Delta High School students, keeping up a routine of honor and respect is crucial, especially for the students in the JROTC program. Students often have to step up, along with the program’s teacher, Chief Clark. Chief Clark has put in endless hours leading young adults in everything they do, especially after the sudden loss of adult help. “Chief Clark is what is bringing us together,” said Farmer.
For all of the cadets attending, many of them are excited to end the year off on a good note. With special speeches from many seniors, and some underclassmen, they will be representing the many students at DHS in front of many important figures.
