Springfield High School Spotlight All schools are deep in tradition and enjoy those things that come up every year to make a school year special. Of course, homecoming, prom and others, but at SHS, one of the things that not everyone gets to experience is our very own JROTC Military Ball. This year happened to be the 40th anniversary of the ball.
For those not familiar with JROTC in high schools, the program centers around leadership. Much of that leadership is done by having cadets organize, create and carry out various events throughout the year. During our military ball, cadets serve as MCs, speakers and plan all of the roles in the events for the evening. One of the things that caught my eye this year was how well the cadets explained the importance of the ball in military traditions. I’m not sure if I just didn’t catch the information in the years past or if they put a little more attention to it this year, but it was really neat to understand how a ball within the actual military units really helped members gain connections as a unit and to celebrate their service.
One of those traditions our students recreated this year was the toast. It is always impressive, as cadets go around the room and talk about some of the things they’re proud of, to which they extend a toast. “Springfield High School,” for example, received an honor toast this year from a cadet.
Another procedure that struck me this year was the cake cutting ceremony. First Sergeant Ricky Thomas walked several people through the cake cutting process and talked about what this would look like in an actual U.S. Army unit. And yes, they did it with a sword. It was so cool and formal.
Finally, one of the special things that happened this year was our very own Springfield graduate, Rachel Geiger (former SLS board member, veteran and Springfield Township Trustee), was the keynote speaker. For me it was extra special, because as Rachel spoke about her time in JROTC, many memories flooded back of my high school days at SHS. Ironically, it was in the first years for the JROTC program when I entered SHS. And yes, though it has been long ago, as a high school student, I can remember watching her perform in the grenadiers. It was so amazing back then and still is today to watch our drill team.
One of the things Rachel pointed out to all the cadets on this night was the core leadership values that JROTC believes in and how they have supported her in her life. She went through each one. Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. She shared with the students how each one of these aspects will be challenged, brought to light and, of course, celebrated in everyone’s future. It was truly a great message to a great group of kids.
Congratulations to our Military Ball King and Queen, Cooper and Samara, and congratulations to the cadre and all the cadets on a very special evening.
