Martin cadets get honors

Pictured from left to right, are: Monica Castro, first-year cadet with the highest grade point average; Josue Martinez, second-year cadet with the highest grade point average; Karla Martinez, second-year cadet receiving the overall highest distinguished cadet of all Martin JROTC cadets and the SAI (Senior Army Instructor) Award for Scholastic Excellence; and George Sandoval receiving the fourth-year cadet with the highest grade point average.

The Martin High School JROTC Tiger Battalion Cadets were recently honored with medals and ribbons for their contribution to the corps and the community during the annual ROTC awards presentation held at Martin High School.

During the ceremony, the annual national awards were presented to cadets in the field of academics and in recognition of the outstanding attributes demonstrated by their leadership skills, Americanism, and support of the United States as members of the Martin High School JROTC. The criteria for these awards are based on the cadet's performance in JROTC, their grades in all subjects, as well as their overall leadership ability and all-around excellence.

Cadets receiving the highest grade point average in all of their classes were recognized and presented with certificates and ribbons of academic excellence in their category. The cadets receiving the highest GPA were Monica Castro, freshman class; Josue Martinez, sophomore class; Kimberly Torres, junior class; and George Sandoval, senior class. The highest grade point average of all grade levels went to Sophomore Karla Martinez. She received the distinguished cadet medal and ribbon and the Senior Army Instructor Award for Scholastic Excellence.

A number of veteran organizations and other patriotic organizations at the local, state, and national levels also provided awards for outstanding junior ROTC cadets. Some of the special awards presented were the Military Order of World Wars presented to Alfredo Rosales, the Scottish Rites to Abril Guerrero, The National Sojourners to Karla Martinez, the Military Officers Association to Ivan Jimenez, Sons of American Revolution to Esteban Dominguez, Daughters of American Revolution to Kimberly Torres, the American Legion Military Excellence to Lurby Sosa, the American Legion Military Academic to Gabriela Galvan, the Reserve Officers Association to Geronimo Banda, the VFW to Maria Galvan, the American Vets to Marco A. Rodriguez, and the Reserve Officers Association (USMC) to Rodrigo Esparza.

"Every cadet who participated in a community event, whether it was as a volunteer at the Food Bank or Feast of Sharing or at a WBCA parade or color guard for non-profit organizations received a ribbon or a certificate" said first year Senior Army Instructor Master Sgt. Adolfo Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, Assistant Army Instructor, SFC Jesse Garcia, Martin High School Principal Oscar Perez and former SAI (Ret) Col. Thomas Brown along with about 100 parents were on hand to recognize these outstanding students.

For more information please contact the Office of Communication at 795-3295.