James Clemens cadets accept national, class honors at awards night
The leadership staff in the James Clemens Jet Battalion include Marcos Gonzalez, front from left, Taylor Greene-Jackson, Carl Alvarado and Milind Patel and Christopher Herring, back from left, Jonathan Pendergrass, Thomas Simmons, Dustin Sutton, Andrew Pokemire and Elijah Teixieira. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)
MADISON – The James Clemens High School Auditorium was filled with pride and honor for the Junior ROTC Annual Awards Ceremony on May 17.
The U.S. Daughters of 1812 Award for patriotism, discipline and dependability went to Hannah White. Milind Patel received the JROTC Bronze Medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Army Aviation Association of America presented its Excellence and Leadership Award to Johnathon Pendergrass. The Military Officers Association of America gave its leadership award to Lauren Brashear.
The Army Recruiting Command presented junior leadership awards to Priscilla Santiago and Matthew Fagg for ranking in the class’ top 25 percent and for showing good character.
The American Legion gave its Award for Academic Excellence to Tristin Guy. Dalton Johnson took home the American Legion’s Award for Military Excellence.
Established in 1919, the Military Order of the World wars honored Thomas Simmons for selfless service. The Veterans of Foreign Wars presented awards for excellence throughout the curriculum to Andrew Lemly, Christopher Herring, Marcos Gonzalez and Brett McCracken.
The Association of the U.S. Army chose Carl Alvarado to receive its leadership award.
The Reserve Officer’s Association recognized Tyler Smith for leadership, academics and community service. The U.S. Army Sergeants Major Association honored Aubrey Kirkland for JROTC excellence.
The National Sojourner’s Organization honored Slidell Washington. Dustin Sutton received the Huntsville Scottish Rite Bodies Award.
The Alabama Army National Guard presented awards to Noah Stapp and Lindsay Hardy. The U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Command lauded Jon Sears for academic excellence and Taylor Greene-Jackson for athletic excellence.
The Daedalian Foundation chose Andrew Pokemire for pilot potential.
The Sergeant’s Major Association gave the Gary Littrell Award for exceptional service to Elijah Teixeira, a freshman at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Receiving the Distinguished Cadet Award were freshman Essence Brown, sophomore Lily Rise, junior Brett McCracken and senior Thomas Rowe.
The Superior Cadet Award went to freshman Joseph White, sophomore Darrien Brown, junior Frank Herring and senior Elijah Teixiera.
Retired Sgt. Maj. Samuel McCray and retired Col. Courtney Taylor instruct JROTC at James Clemens.
