Cadets in the Junior ROTC program at James Clemens High School. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Cadets in the Junior ROTC program at James Clemens High School will receive special attention on May 17.

The James Clemens JROTC Annual Awards Ceremony will recognize cadets with their families, faculty and friends in attendance.

Deserving students will receive JROTC awards and commendations from national organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Retired Sergeant Major Samuel McCray and retired Colonel Courtney Taylor are JROTC instructors at James Clemens.

The James Clemens awards ceremony “will afford one the opportunity to thank and witness deserving cadets who are being rewarded,” Taylor said. “These cadets are a great representation of those who give more than they receive.”

“We’ll have the U.S. Army Materiel Command quintet band playing patriotic hymns at the beginning, followed by honors to the nation,” Taylor said. Major General Gus Perna, G3 of U.S. Army Materiel Command, will speak.

Cadets will receive their JROTC awards and commendations from national groups. A small reception will close the 90-minute ceremony.

Madison Mayor Troy and Dana Trulock and director of operations Pat Conner with Madison City Schools will attend. State senators and representatives, city council and school board members will be invited.

Booster club members Jean Downs, Sheri Fry, Sarah White and Keri Sutton are helping organize the ceremony.

JROTC teaches skills like discipline, community service and selflessness, Taylor said. “Education (is) the foundation of our future as a nation. We need to educate our youth to … ‘think outside the box.'”

“The public is invited and very welcome to attend,” Taylor said. “Additionally, those in attendance will see some great young leadership and patriotism on display as the cadets actually plan and execute the ceremony themselves.”