JROTC students march in Christmas parade

Photo Credit: Sergeant Tommy Session

The SHS JROTC Bottalion prepares to march in the annual Spotsylvania Christmas parade.

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Meghan Adams, Journalism 1 Reporter
December 15, 2011
Filed under Class News

On December 3, the JROTC Knight Battalion of Spotsylvania High School marched in the annual Spotsylvania County Christmas Parade near the Spotsylvania courthouse.

Before the parade started, many cadets were awarded for their accountability and leadership.

Spotsy’s battalion marched in the third section right behind Courtland High School and the Representing of the Flags.

JROTC prepares their cadets to march in formation, but the cadets had a difficult time staying disciplined because they were distracted by the cheers from the crowd.

JROTC’s Colonel Thomas Emory said, “They did relatively well. Especially the LET 1’s considering it was their first time for most of them in a parade”.

He admitted that some of the cadets decided to wear moccasins because their feet hurt. He stated that it really messed up the official uniform design they were trying to achieve. Nevertheless, Colonel said he still supports his cadets and is certain they will do even better next year.

Colonel Emory encouraged people to support the JROTC by donating snacks and drinks for the cadets. He didn’t want anyone feeling sick or passing out during the parade. Parents of the cadets brought cookies, cupcakes, and water.

Sergeant Tommy Session, who also works with JROTC, brought anything that might have been missing from some of the cadets’ uniforms. He said “I wouldn’t want my precious cadets missing anything on this very important day.”

Because of Sergeant Session’s attentiveness, many cadets were saved from a uniform crisis.

Cadet Jessica Patterson said, “I am so cold; my hands are frozen to my jacket. Once we started marching in the parade, I felt my body warm up and I realized that once I kept marching and not paying attention to the cold, I realized how well we were when we were marching. I’m so proud of our battalion right now. But sadly, I still think we could have done better.”

Because of Patterson’s comments, many of the cadet’s eyes were opened to how they could improve their stance toward the JROTC, and they hope they will do exceptional next year.