Over 300 attend CNMI JROTC military ball

Over 300 people attended the CNMI JROTC’s fifth multiple school unit military ball, which was held under the single unit headquarters concept for all five high schools in the CNMI.

The military ball, which was held at the Saipan World Resort, was attended by cadets and students from Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High School, Tinian High School, and Rota High School.

This year’s distinguished guests included Rep. David M. Apatang, Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Board of Education chair Lucia Blanco-Maratita, Education Commissioner David Borja, and Lt. Col. Kevin Welowski, who is a professor of Military Science at the University of Guam SRTOC.

Cadets were dressed in their formal military uniforms as they listened to the speeches from the event’s VIPs.

Wesolowski spoke to the cadets about the importance of setting high goals and pursuing them with determination. He encouraged the cadets to “be all they can be.” Borja echoed this message and encouraged the cadets to stay the course.

Lt. Col. Robert Gay, Director of Army Instruction, told the Cadets that the theme they chose for the Ball of “One Country, One Army, One JROTC” was right on the mark.

He pointed out that it was good for the entire CNMI JROTC program that cadets from all five high schools were in attendance and enjoying the camaraderie of their fellow cadets and peers.

Gay also emphasized the importance of being a team and working together to accomplish their goals and objectives as a team.

The night was also filled with entertainment from local dancers Inatuas and individual performances from the CNMI JROTC high schools.

One of the night’s highlights was the presentation of “Shoulder Sashes” to the graduating seniors of each high school by their respective Senior Army Instructors”.

The sashes reflected the cadets’ school colors and also included their high school name.

The year’s graduating class was presented distinctive JROTC Unit patches.

According to Gay, the presentation of the sashes “was especially meaningful to the cadets and the adults alike.”

Kagman High School JROTC served as the host to this year’s military ball. Recognition also went to Master Sgts. Jim Burke and John Salas and the Kagman cadets for working tirelessly to ensure the event would be a successful one.