The Cranston High School East auditorium was packed with family, classmates and veterans during the JROTC program’s awards ceremony on May 17.

The ceremony recognizes cadets who have excelled academically, possess a high degree of character and work ethic, and have excelled while assigned to positions of authority with the battalion.

Retired Lt. Col. John Murray, East’s JROTC instructor, served as emcee for the event. He provided an overview of the accomplishments of the program’s 30th group of cadets.

“We earned 198 points out of a possible 200 on our accreditation, maintaining ‘Honor Unit with Distinction’ status. The Armed Drill won the Southern New England Armed Drill championship,” he said. “Over 50 percent of the corps made the honor roll one or multiple times during the school year. We had six cadets inducted into the National Honor Society. We had four young ladies accepted to Girls State. Lastly, the Raider team recently finished in first place in the one-rope bridge at New Britain, for the first time in my 11 years.”

Following the presentation of colors and the playing of the national anthem, Murray thanked the many organizations whose support make it possible for the award ceremonies to happen.

“They don’t do it for money or recognition. Their generosity is inspired by citizenship, love of country and patriotism, not individual advancement. Without them, we wouldn’t be here,” he said.

Murray explained there were three categories of awards being presented – unit-level awards, individual academic achievement awards and leadership awards.

The company recognized as the best in drill and ceremony was Headquarters Company commanded by Cadet Maj. Kailey Lenk.

The company recognized as the best in academics for the 2018-19 school year by earning the most honor roll points was Bravo Company commanded by Cadet Sofia Calderon.

For writing the best essay for the annual U.S. Army Cadet Command Essay Contest, one cadet from each grade was selected. Freshman Anya Loy, sophomore Jennifer Dominguez, junior Aaliyah Smith and senior Serena Mora were the cadets honored.

The U.S. Army Cadet Command Academic Excellence Award also went to once student from each grade level. Loy, Dominguez and Mora were again honored, joined by junior Cadet Mason Harris.

Dominguez was also the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Cadet Award.

The U.S. Army Cadet Command National Honor Society Medal was presented to Harris and fellow cadets Natalie Butterfield, Yessica Acosta, Genesis Aldana, Sofia Calderon and Destiny Thorpe.

Murray introduced the Cranston East delegates to Rhode Island Girls State 2019 as Genesis Aldana, Sofia Calderon, Kailey Lenk and Destiny Thorpe.

For Outstanding Achievement in JROTC, the Veterans of Foreign Wars medal was given to Loy. Aldana received the VFW medal for her exceptional leadership ability.

For outstanding military excellence in JROTC, Cadet Joseph Lenk received the American Legion medal. For scholastic excellence and academic achievement is all courses, the American Legion medal was presented to Cadet Jacob Hyun.

The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Medal was given to cadets J’ly Khea and Brandon Carlson for displaying an extraordinary degree of citizenship and patriotism.

Cadet Maverick Sroka was given the Military Officer’s Association award for his display of his potential to lead.

The Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States medal for academic excellence was presented to Cadet Olivia Gardner. Cadet Brooke Rogers received the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States for leadership excellence.

Cadet Christopher Lam received the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry JROTC medal. The National Sojourners Medal was given to Cadet Jose Mayen. The Military Order of the Purple Heart medal was presented to Cadet Benjamin Lam.

In recognition of professionalism, character and leadership skills, U.S. Army Warrant Officer Association Medals were presented to several cadets. James Angilly received a copper medal, Julie St. Nelus received a bronze medal, Kailey Lenk received a silver medal and Jean Carlos Berroa received a gold medal.

Cadet Natalie Butterfield was the recipient of the Non Commissioned Officers Association Medal. The Reserve Officer Association Medal was given to Cadet Gabriel Cuellar.

The Association of the U.S. Army JROTC Medal is presented to junior and senior cadets who demonstrate outstanding character, leadership and dedication to the Army JROTC. The medal was given to Aldana and Mora.

Cadet Ethan Jones was the recipient of the Sons of the American Revolution Medal. Receiving the Daughters of the American Revolution Award was Cadet Karen Lagos.

The Rhode Island Army National Guard Minuteman Award was presented to Calderon.

Thorpe and fellow Cadet Jadin Gagnon were given the U.S. Army Recruiting Command Medals.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Medal was given to Cadet Chendra Rivera, who was also surprised with a scholarship check. Rivera was the coordinator for the rededication of the Vietnam Memorial on the Cranston East campus in 2018.

Khea, Hyun, Calderon and Butterfield shared the JROTC Superior Cadet Medals for each grade level.

Lastly, the highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the U.S. Army Cadet Command Leadership Award, which is given to a cadet who demonstrates a high degree of talent in leadership. The honor went to Mora.