Shepard U.S. Air Force JROTC closes year with awards ceremony

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, Joseph Guzman; sophomore, Diana Burke; junior, Josh Reynolds; and, senior, Rebecca Bird.

Students who won national awards included Josh Reynolds, Air Force Association Award for leadership and academic achievement in a non-senior cadet; Josh Reynolds, American Legion AFJROTC General Military Excellence Award for cadets who best exemplifies leadership, citizenship and character, and community service.

Also, Jonathan Kalabich, Gabriella Ramirez, Michael Reddy, Steven Reddy, Aerospace Education Foundation Academic Badge for scholastic excellence; Christian Wallace, David Jones, Tyler Timmer, Johnathon Kalabich, Gabriella Ramirez, and Josh Reynolds, Kitty Hawk Air Society award for academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

Also, Marquise Owens, Daughters of the American Revolution Award for dependability and good character, discipline, and leadership; Josh Reynolds, Sons of the American Revolution Award for academic achievement, leadership, military bearing and excellence in AFJROTC; and, Josh Reynolds, Military Officers Association of America award for military leadership, academic achievement, and character.

Also, Josh Reynolds, Veterans of Foreign Wars Award for military bearing and conduct, academic excellence, and leadership; Susanna Guiterrez, National Sojourners Award for leadership and academic excellence; Josh Reynolds, Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award for academic excellence, dependability, patriotism, and self-discipline.

Also, Tyler Timmer, Military Order of the Purple Heart Award for leadership, support of JROTC activities, and academic achievement; Susanna Guiterrez, Air Force Sergeants Association Award for academic excellence, leadership, and discipline; and, Diana Burke, Joseph Guzman, and Jaretzi Salinas, Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated Award for academic excellence and contributions to JROTC.

Also, Diana Burke, Celebrate Freedom Foundation/Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Award for positive attitude, judgment, and outstanding academic achievement; and, Jon Kalabich, Air Commando Association Award for integrity, leadership, and self-discipline.

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.