ROTC instructor Major Gregory Crites promoted Poplar Bluff Junior Aaliyah Shephard to the rank of cadet lieutenant colonial on Thursday in the Poplar Bluff High School auxiliary gym.
Retiring his position as the cadet lieutenant colonial, Poplar Bluff senior Dustin Ramsey said he was excited about what the future holds.
“I will be leaving the battalion and graduating this year,” said Ramsey. “I am going to go to college to get my bachelor’s degree in criminology to become a criminalist.”
During the ceremony, students were recognized based on a variety of factors, such as dress code, drill and physical agility, as well as character and perseverance.
Many parents, family and school faculty were in attendance for the ceremony, including Principal Mike Owen, who Crites recognized as a major supporter of the JROTC program.
“He has been the principal that has been the most engaged and involved with the battalion. He has been the one that has shown up at drill meets and taken an interest in these cadets and I acknowledge it. I appreciate it and I thank you for it,” said Crites.