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
To share with others the impact that this JROTC program has on the members of the JROTC family, 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 JROTC. 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 JROTC and it was clearly on display.
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 Casey Campbell. It is shocking to see a junior in high school with such a track record of accomplishments and support and respect of his peers and the JROTC leadership.
Cadet Casey Campbell salutes Cincinnati SAR member Tim Madden at the Little Miami JROTC Awards Ceremony
We awarded Cadet Casey Campbell with a Bronze SAR Medal and Certificate. In addition, Cadet Campbell was recommended for and completed the significantly more rigorous requirements for an SAR Enhanced ROTC medal and certificate. Cadet Campbell was the Cincinnati Chapters runner -up in the 2024- 2025 Enhanced JROTC Competition.
Compatriot Madden presents the Bronze SAR Medal and Certificate to Cadet Casey Campbell
In addition, Cadet Campbell was awarded an Enhanced JROTC Award for his successful contributions to JROTC
In addition to the excellence of Cadet Campbell, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution recognized the Little Miami High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard award. The recipient of this award for the Color Guard team was Cadet Lindon Estep.
Cadet Lindon Estep accepts the Color Guard Certificate for his team
Cincinnati Chapter member Tim Madden was also able to catch up with last years Cincinnati and State of Ohio winner Abigail Weber. It was great to see her and discuss her plans post graduation.
Catching up with last years Cincinnati and Ohio JROTC winner Abigail Weber
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. This is an amazing program, one which is inspiring for our future with such fine young adults.
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 2025-2026 AFROTC class officers.
We are blessed with such high achieving cadets and the strong leadership team of Peterson and Hale.
Looking forward to participating next year.
