Winter Haven High School JROTC Trident Issue February 2024

What’s new with the Blue Devil Battalion? 

By PAO Cadet Katherine Plavetzky 

Military Ball 

On the evening of February 16th, our JROTC program went to the Bartow Civics Center for the highly anticipated annual military ball. This year, the theme celebrated the Air Force, drawing together many schools, each showing a segment of their JROTC programs. With a limited number of tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis, our program proudly represented with 45 dedicated cadets in attendance. Throughout the event, there was dinner, dancing, socializing, instructor recognition, and a receiving line of all the schools’ Battalion Commanders and Command Sergeant Majors. This night is a great time for all involved, though there's some preparation to be done before the event. The cadets receive education in the areas of social etiquette and manners. As well as what to expect at the ball. This ranges from formal introductions to proper dining etiquette. The event started with some socializing as everyone arrived and found their seats. Each school had designated tables. Once everyone was seated the receiving line was next, each school went up and shook hands of each Battalion Commander and Command Sergeant Major. Later each was introduced. Each Battalion Commander had a part to play in the night, our Battalion Commander, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Milne, announced the dinner order. Once dinner was finished, all the tables and chairs were collected and cleaned up to make room for the dancing. The rest of the night was a good time with all the cadets. All our cadets looked great and had a great time, can’t wait till next year. 

All cadets in attendance as well as, Lieutenant Colonel Reeves and Sergeant First Class O’bryon 

Drill Season Continues 

On Saturday, January 20th, our Blue Devil Drill Team traveled to the Brandon High School Drill Meet. Among the participants were our male/mixed armed squad, unarmed platoon, male/mixed color guard, and unarmed female squad. Each cadet poured their heart and soul into their performances, embodying the spirit of diligence as the key to improvement. Following this meet, our Blue Devil Drill Team went to Booker High School for the Sarasota Drill Meet on January 27th. This time, our teams including the female unarmed squad, male/mixed armed squad, unarmed platoon, female armed squad, male/mixed unarmed squad, female color guard, and male/mixed color guard. Notably, our female unarmed squad received a well-deserved 3rd place overall, this was showing of all the work put in at practice. Their success fueled the determination of the entire team to strive for excellence. The momentum continued as our Blue Devil Drill Team went to the Newsome Drill Meet on February 10th. With a great show of skill, our LET 1 unarmed squad, male/mixed armed squad, LET 1 and female color guard claimed 1st place. Additionally, the male/mixed color guard secured 2nd place, alongside the male/mixed unarmed platoon and female unarmed squad. This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the unwavering commitment and perseverance of our cadets. 

Our Female Unarmed Squad 

Law and Order dinner 

Our cadets were invited to help out at the American Legion during their Law-and-Order dinner on February 10th. This dinner is to honor the Law Enforcement, Firefighter, EMT, and Paramedic personnel, and their families, who live and work in our community. The cadets involved helped prepare the event by setting up the tables for dinner as well as some cadets assisting with dinner back in the kitchen. At the beginning of the event the guests and their families came in and sat down, our cadets made sure they were comfortable and got them any drinks they might want as well as their dinner order. Soon after, dinner was ready, and our cadets shifted gears to start serving. Our cadets worked together to ensure everything was running smoothly and that all guests were happy with the service. As the night winded down, all awards were given out to the heroes of our community, and our cadets got to see this event firsthand. Once all the activities were over our cadets helped clean up for the night. This event was a great way for our program to give back to the community and honor those who protect and fight for us. All the cadets involved had a good time and enjoyed getting this opportunity. 

Cadets who helped serving during the Law-and-Order dinner