The Poplar Bluff High School JROTC held its annual Change of Command Ceremony and presented awards to outstanding cadets.
The outgoing Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Aaliyah Shephard thanked the parents of cadets for supporting their children and JROTC. She also thanked JROTC instructors Maj. Gregory Crites and Command Sgt. Maj. Marc Roderick.
Her advice to her peers was to remain true to themselves to find their places in the world.
“As I end my command tour and then graduate in one week, I will offer this advice to all of the cadets here today: in order for you to fulfill your purpose, the world needs you to be who you are. Trying to copy someone else or act like someone you’re not will only limit your contribution,” she said.
The new battalion commander is former Sgt. 1st Class Olivia Robertson.
According to Crites, JROTC students had a busy year. Activities included the participating in the JROTC Program for Accreditation, in which they scored 98.26 out of 100, seven drill meets and six Raider competitions. Students also co-hosted the community Thanksgiving dinner and performed over 30 color guard duties around the community.
“These are some of the busiest kids on campus, but they rise to the challenge,” said Crites.
This year’s awardees were:
Department of the Army Superior Cadet award: Pfc. Keira Willis, Staff Sgt. Meaghan Popp, 1st Sgt. Lydian Sanders, Lt. Col. Aaliyah Shephard
Military Officers Association Award: Capt. Braeden Johnson
Reserve Officers Association Award: 2nd Lt. Logan Davis
Noncommissioned Officer Association Award: Sgt. 1st Class Olivia Robertson
Retired Enlisted Association JROTC Award: 1st Sgt. Kerris Taylor
United States Army Recruiting Command Award Cpt. Terry Smith, Cpt. Jameska Harley
Daughters of the American Revolution Award: Staff Sgt. John Kearbey
Sons of the American Revolution Award: Sgt. 1st Class Josephine Kaup
American Legion Award for Scholastic Excellence: Pfc. Alysa Duran
American Legion Award for Military Excellence: Pfc. Jordan Hodge
Veterans of Foreign Wars Leadership Award: Lt. Maj. Charlee Deaton
Military Order of the World Wars Award: Sgt. 1st Class Hannah Gambling
American Veterans Award: Command Sgt. Maj. Jacob Webster
Order of the Purple Heart Award: 1st Sgt. Justin Eastin
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Award: Capt. Collier Bristol
Special Forces ROTC Award: Pfc. Karter Blanchard
National Sojourners Society JROTC Award: Staff Sgt. Austin Hulan
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Award: Pfc. Deana Voegtlin
Celebrate Freedom Foundation JROTC Award For Excellence: Staff Sgt. Aidan Hare
Distinguished Cadet Scholastic Awards: Sgt. 1st Class Michaley Krizman, Pfc. Guy Commer,Staff Sgt. Victoria Conover, 2nd Lt. Logan Davis, Lt. Col. Aaliyah Shephard
Company Leadership Awards: Staff Sgt. Matthew Holoman, Staff Sgt. Meaghan Popp, Staff Sgt. John Kearbey, Staff Sgt. Alexander Moylan, Staff Sgt. Talladega Felps, Staff Sgt. Cooper Rideout, Sgt. 1st Class Hannah Gambling
Best Cadet Lieutenant: 2nd Lt. Logan Davis
Best Cadet First Sergeant: 1st Sgt. Lydian Sanders
Outstanding Company Commander Award: Capt. Braeden Johnson
Excellent Staff Performance Award: Lt. Maj. Charlee Deaton, Sgt. 1st Class Abby Thurner, Sgt. 1st Class Josephine Kaup, Sgt. 1st Class Olivia Robertson
Cadet Challenge Medal: Sgt. 1st Class Logan Reader, 1st Sgt. Kerris Taylor, Staff Sgt. John Kearbey, Capt. Terry Smith, Pfc. Keira Willis
Cadet of the Year: Pfc. Shelby Cooper