Military ball is an amazing experience and all who attend are lucky. The ball is an annual tradition for JROTC cadets and their dates. There are many memories made throughout your time there and sacred traditions are rehearsed, but none of this could happen without a little bit of planning. 

   This winter event happens in late December or early to mid-January. Due to the ball occurring within these months, the military ball committee starts planning every aspect of the ball at the beginning of the school year. The committee usually consists of a couple seniors and one or two juniors who all split up tasks and come together to create a beautiful outcome every time. This year, the cadets on the committee are Jackson Sohar, Annabelle Wooten, Cadence Shofner, Paige Turner, Levi Cullen, Bryce Helton, and myself. 

   Their efforts put together make the sacred events happen. One of these events being the brew. The brew is made of many ingredients that symbolize things from each of the JROTC teams combined into a pot.  

    “I’m looking forward to the Blaze Brew and everyone’s reactions to the new ingredients and the dancing!” claimed senior Kyndal Hostettler. 

    This tradition is age old just like the saber guard ceremony. This is where the seniors walk through the sabers as the Colonel reads off their achievements in JROTC and their plans for after graduation. This can be emotional for some seniors as it will be their last military ball in high school, and it is very sentimental because this makes them reflect on their memories and achievements.  

    Additionally, there is the cake cutting ceremony. During this, the youngest and oldest cadet in the program will cut the cake with a saber. This symbolizes JROTC’s togetherness. These are only a few examples of unique traditions that you can witness during military ball.  

   Furthermore, military ball is also meant to have fun and cherish time with peers.  

   “I’m looking forward to the fellowship with my fellow cadets,” stated senior Cadence Shofner. 

   This correlates with the dancing portion. Everyone transitions to the dance floor once the formal events are over. There is always a DJ present and photobooths in this area. A lot of funny things happen during this time. 

    For example, Hostettler said, “It’s super fun when we get to the dancing and there always ends up being a human pyramid or two.”  

    As you can imagine that part of the ball is extremely entertaining. Once the fun is over, cadets are encouraged to help stay and clean up.  

   “I think my favorite memory is at the end of the night when we are all so tired but help to clean up the place,” Shofner shared. This is a true example of the bonding time you have even after the event is over.  

   Military ball is truly an experience you do not want to miss out on if you have the chance to go. The things you see and gain from going are incredibly special and something you will hold onto forever.