The Pvt. Billie Gene Kannel JROTC Battalion held a change of command ceremony Thursday at Poplar Bluff High School.
Student Kiera Willis was promoted to the rank of cadet command sergeant major effective Thursday.
The ceremony also conferred awards on members. Lt. Col. Michael Hirtz serves as the lead instructor for the program, which includes instructor Command Sgt. Maj. Marc Roderick.
“Today’s ceremony recognizes cadets whose academic excellence, leadership ability, citizenship, school and community involvement set an example for others to follow,” officials said during the event. “These awards recognize not just what these cadets have done, but their potential for continued excellence and leadership here in our school and community.”
Pfc. Jackson Kennedy was named Cadet of the Year.
“Every month each company selects one cadet to compete for Cadet of the Month,” officials said. “These cadets report to a board and are evaluated on their appearance, subject knowledge of JROTC, and drill and ceremony. Cadets who earn cadet of the month then compete for Cadet of the Year.
“The cadet who demonstrated the best knowledge, appearance, and has earned cadet of the year is cadet Pfc. Jackson Kennedy.”
Echo Company received the Best Company Award.
“Throughout the year, companies strive to earn streamers in academics, community service, physical fitness, appearance, and drill and ceremony,” officials said. “When a company earns all five streamers they earn an honor company streamer. However, only one company can be the best company of the battalion.”
Awards include superior cadet, recognizing excellence in academics, leadership and demonstrated qualities of character, courtesy and discipline.
Additionally, officer association awards were made, recognizing cadet officers who demonstrate outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership.
The following awards were made to cadets:
• Superior Cadet: Pfc. Victoria Pennell (freshmen); Staff Sgt. Kiera Willis (sophomore); Capt. Aiden Hare (junior); and Lt. Col. Olivia Robertson (senior).
• Officer Association Awards: Command Sgt. Maj. Jacob Webster; and 1st Sgt. Meaghan Popp
• Noncommissioned Officer Association Awards: Staff Sgt. Karter Blanchard and Staff Sgt. Alina Shank
• Recruiting Command Award: 1st Lt. John Kearbey and Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Holloman
• American Revolution Awards: Staff Sgt. Rachel Baker and Sgt. Cody Grobe
• American Legion and VFW Awards: Pfc. Jackson Kennedy, Pfc. Preston Ethridge and Pfc. Mason Summers
• Military Order of World Wars, Purple Heart, AMVET and Vietnam Veterans Awards: Staff Sgt. Alysa Duren, Capt. Alexander Moylan, Capt. Lydian Sanders and 1st Sgt. Michaley Krizman.
• Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War: Capt. Austin Hulan
• Distinguished Cadet and Academic Excellence Awards: 1st Sgt. Michaley Krizman, Pfc. Jackson Kennedy, Sgt. 1st Class Keira Willis, Capt. Josephine Kaup and 1st Sgt. Logan Davis
• Company Leadership Awards: Staff Sgt. Alysa Duren, Staff Sgt. Guy Connor, Staff Sgt. Evan Christian, Staff Sgt. Karter Blachard, Staff Sgt. Shelby Cooper, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hollowman, 1st Lt. Logan Reeder, 1st Sgt. Michaley Krizman, Capt. Aidan Hare
• Cadet Challenge Medal: 1st Lt. Logan Reeder, 1st Sgt. Kerris Taylor, 1st Lt. John Kearbey, Capt. Justin Sinclair and Sgt. 1st Class Keira Willis
• Superintendent’s Scholastic Excellence Award: 1st Sgt. Michaeley Krizman, GPA 11.57
• Academic Excellence Awards: Pfc. Jackson Kennedy (LET 1), GPA 11.42; Sgt. 1st Class Keira Willis (LET 2), GPA 11.16; Capt. Josephine Kaup (LET 3), GPA 11.42; and 1st Sgt. Logan Davis (LET 4), GPA 11.1.
• Outstanding Platoon Sergeant: Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Holloman, Charlie Company
• Best Lieutenant: 1st Lt. Logan Reeder, Bravo Company
• Best Cadet First Sergeant: 1st Sgt. Michaley Krizman, Bravo Company
• Outstanding Company Commander: Capt. Aidan Hare, Echo Company