The school year is winding down.  With that is the conclusion of another year in the ROTC programs around the country.

On Wednesday evening at Little Miami High School – Warren County Ohio (Northeast Cincinnati Metro Area), there was the year end awards ceremony.

There were approximately 125 Cadets, ranging from 8th grade to 12th grade.  They were joined by their families and their friends to recognize their accomplishments both as a team and as individuals.

Little Miami High School in Morrow Ohio

I spoke with a mother of an aspiring AFROTC Cadet prior to the ceremony.  She told the story of her son, who was awed and intimidated by his entrance into high school.  She spoke with sparkle in her eyes how her son started participating in ROTC.  She said the ROTC program was perfect for her son, how the group adopted him within the ROTC family and gave him as sense of belonging and comradery that was amazing.  These are the stories that have heart and warm the soul.  Congrats to these parents and young cadets.

As you watch these young adults participate, it is clear they relish their purpose, the friendships they have formed and the pride of teamwork and individual persistence to becoming a better citizen.  That is the mission of ROTC and it was clearly on display.

We the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution were honored to be there and share a couple of awards to an outstanding cadet Chief Master Sergent Abigail Weber.  It is shocking to see a junior in high school with such a track record of accomplishments and support and respect of her peers and the ROTC leadership.

We awarded Cadet Weber with a Bronze SAR Medal and Certificate.  In addition, Cadet Weber was recommended for and completed the significantly more rigorous requirements for an Enhanced ROTC medal and certificate.  She placed 1st in the Cincinnati area Enhanced ROTC contest, and as such was entered into the SAR State of Ohio contest.

Cadet Abigail Weber receiving the Bronz ROTC Medal and Certificate

We are proud to announce that Cadet Weber was awarded 1st place in the SAR State of Ohio event.  She will be honored at the Ohio Society of Sons of the American Revolution annual event on Saturday May 4th in Granville Ohio.   Congrats Cadet Weber.

Chief Master Sergent – Cadet Abigail Weber with her family after the conclusion of the Awards Ceremony

In addition to the excellence of Cadet Weber, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution recognized the AFROTC Leader Lt. Col Peterson with a “Good Citizen” award for his leadership, mentoring, cheer leading for the Little Miami ROTC program and cadets.

Mr. Peterson has an accomplished 2nd in command Becky Hale who is a motivating force for the cadets.  Together, they have both fostered a program of excellence, which they should be very proud.

AFROTC Leaders – Becky Hale and Charles Peterson proudly watching the student led event

The crowd in attendance learned about the complete year of events these cadets participated in.  There were many award to recognize team and individual accomplishments.

The event concluded with the induction of the 2024-2025 AFROTC class officers.  This part of the program was led by the 2023-2024 SAR Award Winner Corps Commander Alena Greulich who was also awarded the rank of Colonel by Leader Charles Peterson.

2023-2024 SAR Award Winner – Alena Greulich – thanking her staff team and cadets for a terrific year

We are blessed with such high achieving cadets and the strong leadership team of Peterson and Hale.

Looking forward to participating next year.

Finishing with the motto of the AFROTC:

Our Differences Make Us Stronger. Our Values Make Us One.