Local JROTC cadets saluted by DAR

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is focused on a period of history when America gained its independence from the British, and annually honors modern examples of that same spirit.

This has included the local Jonathan Hunt Chapter of the DAR announcing cadets who have received the Junior ROTC Medal Award from the group for the most recent academic year.

The award goes to an 11th grader or senior at the four local high schools represented by the Jonathan Hunt DAR unit for ROTC purposes.

The latest honorees are Esbeidy Reyes of North Surry High School; Sayler Chappell, East Surry High; Surry Central High School’s Aylin Rodriguez; and Madison Vangordan of Elkin High. (No photo was available of Vangordan.)

A certificate and bronze medal were presented to each cadet at the four schools, the only ones in the chapter area which have a JROTC program.

Faye Haas, vice regent of the Jonathan Hunt Chapter, who also chairs its JROTC Committee, made the presentations.

The criteria for the award includes outstanding academic achievement along with the qualities of dependability, good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership ability and an understanding of the importance of JROTC training.

The DAR began awarding medals to ROTC students in 1967 in recognition of the ROTC as a key program that prepares officers for service in the armed forces.

Founded in Washington in 1890, the Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit organization for women whose membership is based on being direct descendants of persons involved in the United States’ efforts toward independence.

It works to preserve Revolutionary War history while promoting education and patriotism.