On Friday, February 7th, 91 cadets from Oak Ridge High School Naval JROTC took part in the Knoxville Area JROTC Military Ball at the Grande Event Center in Knoxville. These cadets were joined by nearly 400 other cadets representing 12 JROTC units from Anderson, Knox, Blount, and Loudon counties.
The JROTC Military Ball is a formal ceremony with a prom-like setting. The evening kicked off with the presentation of colors and the singing of the Nation Anthem by Oak Ridge’s very own Hannah McCullah. Prior to a formal dinner, the Wildcat Company’s Cadet Executive Officer, Daviona Johnson, and Cadet Commanding Officer, Ryan Register, led the attendees in a toast to the President
of the United States and each branch of our Armed Forces. The guest speaker for the evening was Knox County Mayor Glen Jacobs.
Each JROTC unit selected a Queen to represent their school and unit. Cadet Petty Officer Third Class Sasha Umansky, an Oak Ridge High School Freshman, was chosen as the Oak Ridge NJROTC Queen. She was escorted by Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer Sam Livesay. Following the crowning of the Queens, all cadets hit the dance floor.
With eight Navy, four Air Force, and one Army JROTC programs represented, these cadets put school and service affiliation rivalries aside and banded together as a team. This evening was a testament to the dedication, comradery, and resolve of these remarkable young men and women. The Oak Ridge High School NJROTC Program is proud to have hosted this event and would like to thank the other JROTC programs for participating in such a wonderful night.
Press release and photo submitted by Chief Ryan Nicholls
