This week I wanted to take a few minutes and just give a shout out to the cadre in our JROTC program. I’ve been lucky enough to attend many of the JROTC events and each year I really look forward to being in attendance for the promotion ceremony. The ceremony stands out to me because of the environment they create and the gravity of the moment when students receive their promotion. The ceremony is run by the students and, each year, new students step up and take on roles to make the night a success. This year, shout out to freshman Lamarsheo Martin Jr., for opening the evening by singing the National Anthem. His performance really started the energy for the evening.
The main highlight of the evening for me is always the parents assisting in the cadets promotion. This moment is so powerful and well-designed by the cadre. Each year, as students receive their new ranks and promotions, parents are invited to the stage to assist in the promotion by giving the cadets their new ranks and insignia on their uniform. This moment is so powerful as you see the moms tear up as they head back to their seats and, of course, the handshakes and hugs from dads or grandparents; whomever it might be who gets the honor of sharing that moment with their cadet. This year, once again, it was an amazing moment. I just can’t thank the JROTC leadership enough and what the kids do to earn those promotions and share in that moment.
By the way, included is a picture taken by Superintendent Mr. Geha. I sat towards the back hoping to get some great photos, but I saw his online and they captured the moment much better. While I’m at it, I want to thank Mr. Geha for all the support that he shows to all our schools, but especially the high school and all our programs, as he attends so many things week in and week out. Thank you, Mr. Geha, and congratulations to our JROTC program for another great promotion ceremony. Samira, Adrianna and Reuben, congratulations as you step up to the top to lead.
Ottawa-Glandorf Parade of Bands Competition On September 20, the Springfield High School Blue Devil Marching Band performed at the Ottawa-Glandorf Parade of Bands competition with 13 other bands performing. Their performance was the best of the season thus far, enabling the band to finish in second place in Class A and fourth place overall out of 13 competing bands. The color guard finished with the third overall highest score, and the percussion had the second-highest score of the evening. On top of it all, the band once again qualified for the Ohio Music Education Association State Marching Band Finals at the end of the season. The band will perform on Sunday, November 2, at Piqua High School. Way to go, band.
