Beech Tree News Network

On the evening of May 15, 2014 the NJROTC program had our end of the year awards ceremony.  The night began with a prayer from Cadet Chaplain Destiny Phelps, and the national anthem sung by our own Mikayla Brown.  Chief Melton and Major Redmond then proceeded to hand out ribbons to each cadet.  This year we received the unit achievement award, awarded to the top units in the Region.  Many cadets received the Unit service, Exemplary Appearance, and Community service, to name a few.  The Military Officers Association Medal was presented by Lieutenant Colonel Young and awarded to Cadet Ashely Smith.  Next was The Bronze Sons of the American Revolution medal and was presented by Gary Tunget to Cadet Quention Jett.   Followed by the Surface Navy Assoc. Medal given to a freshman and a sophomore, Cadets Noah Coots and Trevor Dockery.  Next was the Navy League, Theodore Roosevelt Youth Award, given to Cadet Jonathan McGranahan.  Followed by the Order of the Daedalians given to Cadet Destiny Phelps.  Next, the Marine Corps League, Good Citizen Award presented by Hugh Wade and Jerry Paul, given to Cadet Maranda Pierson.  Followed by Military Order of the World Wars, given to Cadet Cameron Price.  Next was the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry Southern Jurisdiction, given to Cadet Wyatt Southerland.  Major said a few words about Mikayla Brown, who received the Navy ROTC scholarship giving her a full ride to Ole Miss.  It was then time for the new CO (Ashley Smith) to relieve the old CO (Sidney Wilson) of her duties and assume command of the unit for next year. Major Redmond thanked everyone for attending and this concluded our ceremony. 

Photo and story by: Cadet Connor Brown