JROTC Military Ball
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the annual JROTC Military Ball. I love this event for so many reasons. First, it is a school tradition that creates lasting memories. If I ever doubted this, that notion was reinforced as I listened to the stories and memories shared by Springfield Township trustee (and former JROTC Cadet) Andy Glenn, who returned this year as the keynote speaker at the February 19 event.
This year, the military ball was hosted at Springfield High School. More than a time to gather for great food and fun (of which there was an abundance of both), the event is one of the JROTC programs learning/ leadership labs with a bulk of the responsibility and work assigned to the cadets. The receiving line, the “Fallen Soldier’s” table and the significance of each of the items included, the presentation of the queen’s court and the sabre guard and everything that took place before the dancing were done with precision.
Cadet Shelby Salatin had the lead, and I congratulated her the night of the ball. I do so again through these words.
I also would like to shine the spotlight towards all of the people who assisted in managing the many details it takes to make an event like the military ball appear flawless. Our thanks also must, of course, include Master Sgt. Blessing and 1Sgt. Thomas. All impressed and, once again, exceeded every expectation.
Back to former Cadet Glenn. I want to share just a few highlights of his message.
He reminded attendees that this wasn’t his first military ball. I think the 37-plus years that have passed since the first military ball was on his mind as he organized and shared a lot of memories. From being part of the first group of students to participate in JROTC for all four years of their high school careers, to being elected as a Springfield Township trustee, he reminded all that perhaps it was the leadership and citizenship lessons he absorbed from Major John Gardiner, who helped establish the program at SHS, that whet the appetite of his younger self to further serve his community. A few laughs accompanied a few of the memories he offered–the drill team’s first performance (followed almost immediately by a trip to the barber shop to sacrifice their mullets) and a trip and performance in Ireland. His thoughts transitioned quickly to the important work he and his fellow trustees engage in to enhance the quality of life for all living in the community. Plus, each example he shared always tied back to the foundation that JROTC provided in his life.
He even included an invitation for current cadets to become involved in some of the township’s upcoming efforts to make our community a safer place to live and work. And, did I mention that in order to join us, he had to ask his family to pause their efforts to celebrate his birthday for a few hours, just so he could return to his alma mater to offer remarks to the attendees of this year’s military ball?
If you don’t remember anything else from both his and this message, I hope you take away that what we do at SHS, from the smallest to the largest effort, can have a lasting impact on our students. Parents, too.
Many tell me how much they miss being part of our traditions after their kids graduate. Trust me, I tell them all (and now you) the same thing–you are always welcome at SHS.
As we transition to new protocols and our buildings open up a little more to the public, we will welcome back past friends to attend events like the ball, drill meets, concerts, plays and other important aspects of our Blue Devils’ traditions.
