By Aly Miranda
The Military Ball took place at U.S. military base, Fort Sam Houston, on Jan.12, from 6 to 11:30 p.m. JROTC students and their dates were all waiting outside around 5 p.m. and were all nervous, excited and chatting about the ball. Once inside, they were getting themselves ready in line, all boys on the right, girls on the left, sorted by company and highest rank.
“It was formal and elegant, yet fun and exciting,” freshman Gabriel Akessler said. “I really liked hanging out with my date, dancing and I liked the different recognition’s for the different cadets.”
During this formal event, JROTC students and their dates were greeted by special guest Principal Melvin Echard, ETA director William Sturgis and DATA director Stacia FitzSimon and were seated at their assigned tables. An appetizer and dinner was there for them to eat. Speeches by Principal Echard and DATA senior Quaylan Webb were given.
“It was put together very well. I loved it all. It was so nice and beautiful,” DATA teacher Valerie Felger said.
In each company, two students were awarded Sweetheart and beau. Alpha company’s Sweetheart and Beau were Tania Ojeda and Anthony Basile, in Bravo company; Thalia Ojeda and Jesse Reyna, in Charlie company; Emily Noojin and Seth Ogoc, and in Delta company; Evelyn Nieto and Eric Lopez, were awarded Sweetheart and Beau. In JROTC staff, Jerry Perez-Roach and Webb and in RDS/SJG Audrey Ogoc and Webb were also awarded Sweetheart and Beau. Graduating seniors Quaylan Webb, Noah Adkins, De’ja Wilson, Richard Rodriguez, Dakota Hertz, Valle Mendez, Ebonie Ogilvie, Jesse Schwaninger, Rey Zamora, Jesse Reyna, Zachary Rush, Austen Debruine, Samantha Lea, Moreno Negron, Alberto Rodriguez and Carlos Bustos were all recognized in the ceremony, as well as all students in the Rough Rider Battalion.
Afterwards, students, special guests and even invited teachers were all welcome to dance when the ceremony was over. Half-way through the dance, cake and punch was served for all to eat and drink.
