U.S. Air Force JROTC awards close year at Shepard

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, Andrew Kuntz; sophomore, Samantha Gebbia; junior, Diana Burke; and, senior, Josh Reynolds.

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

Also, Daniel Becker, American Legion AFJROTC Scholastic Excellence Award for leadership, citizenship, character, and community service; .Jonathan Kalabich, Gabriella Ramirez, Michael Reddy, Steven Reddy, Aerospace Education Foundation Academic Badge for scholastic excellence.

Also, Logan Couture, Sons of the American Revolution Award for academic achievement, leadership, military bearing and excellence in AFJROTC; and, Diana Burke, Military Officers Association of America award for military leadership, academic achievement, and character.

Also, Tyler Timmer, Veterans of Foreign Wars Award for military bearing and conduct, academic excellence, and leadership; Samantha Gebbia, National Sojourners Award for leadership and academic excellence; Diana Burke, Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Award for academic excellence, dependability, patriotism, and self-discipline.

Also, Josh Reynolds, Military Order of the Purple Heart Award for leadership, support of JROTC activities, and academic achievement; Trav Jarman, Air Force Sergeants Association Award for academic excellence, leadership, and discipline.

Also, Justis Lesley, Air Commando Association Award for integrity, leadership, and self-discipline; and, Valeria Vazquez, Celebrate Freedom Foundation/Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University JROTC Award for positive attitude, outstanding personal appearance, courtesy, judgment, and outstanding academic achievement.

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.