EDENTON — The John A. Holmes High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps held its annual awards banquet Friday evening at the American Legion Post in Edenton, celebrating a year of achievement with senior speeches, military recognition and a wide array of awards presented to cadets across all four class levels.

Why cover a JROTC banquet? Because many high school students across Northeast NC participate in their school’s ROTC program. These students often serve as color guards for various sports and civic events and are active in school and their communities, so they deserve some praise.

Back to the banquet — Lt. Col. Neil Parks, the unit’s JROTC instructor, served as master of ceremonies for the evening, which drew cadets, parents, community supporters and school officials.

Three senior cadets — Command Sergeant Major Alizon Tellez, Cadet Major Tony Cobb and Battalion Commander Chase Reid — addressed the crowd with personal reflections on their time in the program.

Command Sergeant Tellez, who spoke during the senior segment, described how a nudge from family members changed the course of her high school experience. “My brothers and sister-in-law encouraged me to give it a chance,” she said. “I told myself I would stay for just one semester and see how it went.” That one semester turned into four years. She credits marksmanship with sparking her passion for the program and said the experience transformed her. “JROTC has given me more than I expected. It has helped me build confidence, form strong friendships, and understand what it truly means to be a leader.”

Cadet Major Cobb delivered a candid speech about overcoming self-doubt. “I’ve always believed myself to be the bare minimum — someone with no motive, no drive, or conviction,” he said. “And it’s this mindset alone that’s prevented me from improving upon myself, advancing forward as an individual.”

Cobb, who joined the program just two years ago and rose to one of its top leadership positions, urged his fellow cadets to push past their own limitations. “Always believe in yourself the way I will believe in you,” he said, adding: “Make sure to cultivate your own garden. Take in both the good and bad and everything in between, taking it to something positive and good.”

Battalion Commander Reid closed out the senior speeches with words aimed at the program’s younger cadets. “Do not take JROTC for granted,” he said. “This program teaches valuable life lessons and gives you the tools and opportunities to succeed if you are willing to put in that effort.”

Reid pointed to the Raider program as the single most impactful part of his experience. “When I first joined, I was small, skinny and inexperienced. But my teammates accepted me and pushed me to improve every day.” He ended his remarks with a challenge to everyone in the room: “Your life is your message to the world. Make sure it’s inspiring.”

Awards Ceremony

Following the senior speeches, Parks led a comprehensive awards presentation recognizing cadets at every level of the program, from first-semester freshmen earning their Learning Education and Training ribbon to seniors receiving graduation stoles.

Among the national awards presented, the Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship — given through the Edenton Tea Party Chapter and presented by Miss Cadence Morgan — went to Cadet Tellez, who has been accepted to Wingate University, where she plans to study social work. Parks praised her focus and sense of purpose. “She wants to work with underprivileged kids,” he said. “That in itself says a lot about the amount of compassion she has, recognizing that it’s truly a need in our society.”

The American Legion Award, which recognizes outstanding discipline, teamwork, citizenship and academic excellence, was presented in two categories: Cadet Javion Foreman received the military excellence award, and Cadet Loordes Achurra earned the scholastic excellence honor.

The American Veteran Award, presented for diligence and willingness to serve, went to Cadet Lucas Perry, whom Parks described as an outstanding Raider captain and consistent contributor since his freshman year.

The Reserve Officer Association Award for outstanding achievement, dedication and loyalty went to Cadet Abigail Ramirez, who Parks noted served as a near co-commander at several unit events and will attend JROTC Cadet Leadership Camp this summer.

The Order of the Daedalions Academic Award was presented to Cadet Jessica Lopez, a JCLC graduate and member of both the track team and color guard. The Association of the United States Army Medal, given to a cadet who plans to pursue a career in the armed forces, was awarded to Cadet Tony Cobb, who is enlisted in the United States Army and will leave for service shortly after graduation.

In a special military recognition, Parks honored Cadet Rojas and Cadet Cobb for their commitment to serve. Rojas is entering the Marine Corps alongside his best friend, Fernando Rodriquez, in the buddy program, while Cobb heads to the Army. Parks put their decision in perspective for the audience. “Less than one percent of the population serve in the military,” he said. “The very fact that they’ve answered that call — thank you for your future service to this nation.”

Retiring Principal Honored

Parks reserved some of his warmest words for Holmes Principal Sonya Rinehart, who is retiring after 32 years of service, all at John A. Holmes. “We are very fortunate to have Ms. Rinehart as our principal,” he said. “Born and raised in Chowan County — that says a lot for somebody that has made their community stronger.”

Parks acknowledged that many schools view JROTC as an unwanted program and credited the district’s leadership — including the superintendent and board of education — for their consistent support. He presented Rinehart with the unit’s officially registered crest as a token of appreciation. “The very fact that you have guided us through these last few years in a construction zone and done it magnificently is a testament to your legacy here in Chowan County,” he said.

Parks closed the evening by thanking guests, sponsors and cadets alike, noting that the banquet is funded in part through patron donations and that cadets are never charged to attend. “I want to make sure that the program can carry on and do this from year to year,” he said. “To all the guests out there, thank you for coming and enjoying tonight with all your fellow cadets.”

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