April 27, 2006
TWO CFISD
HIGH SCHOOLS WIN 2005-2006 AFJROTC NATIONAL DISTINGUISHED UNIT AWARD
The Air Force Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) units from Cypress Ridge and Cy-Fair
high schools have won the National Distinguished Unit Award for the academic
year 2005-2006 and will be recognized at the Fourth Annual AFJROTC Military
Pass-N-Review parade at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 at Pridgeon Stadium,
11499 Bobcat Rd.
Both schools were two of approximately 90 units that were selected from
among 900 schools nationwide, placing CFISD in the top 10 percent in the
nation. The award given to the two units recognizes the consistent, outstanding
performance of student cadets throughout the entire year.
“Nominated schools identified countless and wonderful things that
AFJROTC is doing to make a positive impact in their host schools and local
communities. I appreciate all efforts [by Cypress Ridge and Cy-Fair] in
developing citizens of character dedicated to serving the nation and [their]
communities,” said Col. Norm “Gump” Balchunas, HQ AFJROTC
director.
Under the leadership of Lt. Col. Steven Rakel of Cypress Ridge HS and
Lt. Col. Charlton Phillips of Cy-Fair HS, both schools met and exceeded
cadet goals that focused on growth, establishing their presence in the
community, establishing key teams and/or emphasizing a major school goal
of integrating advanced technology in the AFJROTC program.
“The cadets have done
an outstanding job—the admirable support of our CFISD administrative
staffs and our parents/guardians played a key role as well,” said
Lt. Col. Rakel.
Tonight’s parade is being held in honor Jean McCluskey, one of the
first women to join the JROTC program in 1972. McCluskey is the pioneer
for all women in JROTC today.
(from left to right) Cy-Fair's Cadet 1st Lt. Jeremy Price and Cadet Captain Travis Prothrow; the parade's reviewing officer Mary Jadloski, director for secondary special programs and services; and Cypress Ridge's Cadet Corps Commander Josiah Reese and Cadet Corps Vice-Commander Daniella Garcia
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Cadet Corps Commander Josiah Reese and the parade honoree Jean McCluskey, first female AFJROTC
cadet (1972) |
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