Well-disciplined and proud, a number of Lake Wales High School JROTC members walked across the stage last week to accept awards. Some were for academics, some for performance in training situations, some for leadership. The list was lengthy, underlining the level of quality in the unit. Due to space limitations, named awards only will be listed here. There were a number of cadets and officers who received ribbons as well.

The awards were announced by Cadet Kaelyb Stout, commanding officer of the unit, along with Capt. Charles Simpson.

The Sons of the American Revolution Award, Jason Brickner; The Military Order of the World Wars Award, Heather Walker; Daughters of the American Revolution award, Micah Bennett; Daughters of 1812 Award, Jennifer Christy; The 2012 National Sojourners Award, Tristan Moschetto.

The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry JROTC Award, Danielle Strelow; US Army Recruiting Command Award, Micah Bennett; Association of the United States Army Award, Jordon Richardson; Purple Heart Award, Cody Castleberry; American Veterans Award, Taylor McDonald.

The Order of Daedalians Award, Charles Reid; the Distinguished Army Military Science Cadet Award, Victoria Abbott.

Last but not least, The Superior Cadet Award is awarded to a cadet in each LET level that has shown outstanding leadership and potential. They also have to be in the top 10% of the JROTC Class and top 50% academically. The 2012 Superior Cadet awards went to: LET I,Jonathan Brooks; LET II Cody Castleberry; LET III, Micah Bennett; LET IV, Elizabeth MacDonald, Kaelyb Stout and Kelly Kilpatrick.

Elizabeth McDonald was also recognized for being awarded $150,000 in scholarships to Florida Southern College, where she will be in the ROTC program.