News and Announcements
MMSA cadets rewarded at school's annual promotion ceremony
Top MMSA cadets receieve new rank and responsibilities in front of friends, family and faculty.
By Myesha Evans '12On February 19, 2010 Marine Math and Science Academy cadets gathered in the Grant Campus auditorium to take part in the annual promotion ceremony. Top cadets of the Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Company were recognized for their hard work with an improved rank within the MMSA JROTC program.
Parent’s, teachers, and faculty were on hand to encourage and cheer on the MMSA cadets receiving their promotion. As cadets were given rank by their company commanders, they shook hands with Battalion Commander Luis Tellez ’11 who congratulated them on their improved rank.
All of the JROTC instructors were on hand and very proud to see their students get awarded for their dedication. “It’s a wonderful day, because the cadets are getting awarded for their achievements and hard work… I enjoy how the parents come and share the ceremony not only with their cadet, but also with the school staff” said MMSA Instructor Gunnery Sgt. Bibbs.
There is a process for selecting which cadets get promoted, but all of those promoted shared some common characteristics. “They worked for it, they’re strong, they’re motivated and they’re highly dedicated and that’s the way to get promoted,” Remarked Sgt. Major Smith.
Every student who walked across the stage to a round of applause knew that getting promoted was a big deal. “Getting promoted shows that I actually do my job and I am doing something positive in school. It feels good to get promoted, I worked hard for it, it’s the best thing” said Battalion Executive Officer Ashley Johnson ‘11.
With their new rank, many cadets will see more responsibilities given to them. This is no different then when the JROTC Instructors gained rank while serving our country in the USMC. “I went from being in charge of 40 Marines to 150 Marines, that’s a big jump from staff sergeant to company gunnery sergeant… I was on my way to Iraq, it was my 2nd or 3rd combat tour and I knew I had to make sure they got back home safely,” Bibbs recalled.
After the MMSA cadets were promoted, the ceremony ended with closing remarks from Principal Stroh and everyone took part in singing the Marine’s Hymn. Everybody headed home after the big event in a celebratory mood. “I am very happy; the promotion ceremony was very good. I am proud of my children and the ranked they earned” said Mrs.Stampley, a proud parent of three MMSA cadets.