On Saturday, December 9, 2017, 65 cadets from the Oak Ridge High School NNDCC braved the freezing temperatures and marched in the annual Oak Ridge Christmas Parade. In partnership with TN Bank of Oak Ridge, a team of cadets, led by Cadet Jena Hogan, built a float with the theme of “A world away, but home at heart.” The cadets were very excited to be a part of the parade for the first time representing Oak Ridge High School and the Navy. “It was cool, very cold, but cool to be a part of this”, said Cadet Lindsay Ripley. When asked what she enjoyed the most about it, she says, “hearing the company sing Navy Colors was awesome.” The NNDCC cadets played an important role in the parade as the competition color guard, led by Cadet Lillie Mullins, led the parade while the Company Commander, Cadet Lieutenant Rhiannon Lucas led a 10 flag color guard trailing the float and Cadet Myka Winningham led a platoon of 50 cadets following the flag detail. There were many accolades from spectators about the professionalism and excellent appearance of the cadets.
