By C/Lt Col Sophia Wagnon
Beginning in July 2024, a group of cadets from Bartram Trail’s AFJROTC unit returned home from Flight Academy, a program designed to help students reach their goals of pursuing careers in aviation. This is a very rigorous program of which many cadets apply, and only a slim amount actually end up receiving the opportunity. One of which was FL-20061’s very own cadet, Ava Blanton.
Shortly after, an event titled “Bootcamp” took place. This happens in late July every year, as a way to welcome the new cadets who are joining the program for that specific school year. Within this three-day occasion, the cadets start by learning important facts about the program, as well as obtaining their uniforms and advice on how to do well in the years to come. On the final day, they go to Camp Blanding, a Joint Training Center located in Starke, Florida, to implement the new skills they’ve learned.
A few months later, a mass inspection took place. The unit was named a distinguished unit with merit, the highest level an AFJROTC unit can be awarded. As a way to praise themselves for all the things accomplished from July-November, the cadets take an overnight trip to Camp Blanding. All cadets are welcome, but the decision as to whether or not to attend is fully up to each individual. This trip is meant to be nothing but fun, with a militaristic view behind each aspect.
Once March hits, it’s time for a change of command. The cadets attend a Military Ball held in Jacksonville specifically for them, in order to accomplish this task. At the beginning, the cadets and parents enjoy their dinner, and then an awards ceremony is hosted. During this, all awards earned throughout the year are received and then the official change of command takes place. Following all of that, the remainder of the evening is filled with fun and happiness, as the cadets are given time to socialize with each other, as a way to wrap up the school year, and start working towards the next.
