Everybody loves a carnival, but the one that came to Hillcrest recently had nothing to do with “carnies” and games of chance that don’t offer participants much hope of winning.

The National Guard provided the props, toys and equipment for a two-day “Physical Excellence Carnival” for the JROTC classes at Hillcrest.

The video provides a look at some of the day’s activities, including a couple of events that prepped Hornet Battalion members for an upcoming “Olympics” competition with other JROTC units from area schools.

Hillcrest’s annual “Military Ball,” hosted by Hornet Battalion, took place March 12 in the East Gym.

The photos below feature highlights from the event, and provide a sense of the military formalities as well as the old-fashioned fun that makes this one of the most popular social occasions on campus each spring.

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JROTC members march in the Humansville Parade

A busy first semester comes to a close for JROTC. The group represented Hillcrest in countless events. They marched in four parades: The Labor Day Parade, Veteran’s Day Parade, Christmas Day Parade, and Humansville Parade. JROTC also participated in the Monett Career Academy camp as a team-building exercise. Other events for this semester were Salvation Army bell ringing and the American Legion Christmas banquet, where the cadets sang Christmas carols.

JROTC prepares for a busy schedule

The Annual Formal Inspection (which occurs every three years) was a big event for this group of students at Hillcrest. First year comrade Ash’ Lee Allard said, “A lot of preparation happens before the inspection; we have to make sure we get it all right.” Hillcrest once again received a top score after the inspection. 

JROTC also visited with Reed Middle School eighth graders to inform them of their opportunities in JROTC when they come to Hillcrest. “It is a great challenge for us to get across to the future of Hillcrest what JROTC is about,” said Lieutenant Colonel Donald Baldridge (RET), an instructor for the program. “We want them to understand the leadership and character development they will establish along the way.”

In summary of the first semester, Baldridge said, “It was successful; we didn’t fail at anything we did.” For the second semester, Baldridge’s hopes are still high, “We will examine what went well and do what we do to continue our success.”

Second semester will be as busy as the first. JROTC is preparing themselves for many new contests: President’s Personal Fitness Test, Navy Seal Challenge, Raider Challenge, JROTC Olympics in Mountain Grove, and Wentworth Military Academy Camp. To conclude the school year will be the annual Military Ball held at Hillcrest.

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With the American flag flying at half-staff, Hillcrest’s JROTC held a commemorative ceremony in honor of those lost in the 9-11 attacks on America. This was the eighth year in a row that the Hornet Battalion had hosted the event, which lasted for around fifteen minutes.

The ceremony consisted of two songs presented by the Hillcrest Choir, led by director Debra Futrell, followed by a moment of silence, a prayer given by Coach Lou Fees, two brief speeches, and a duet of “Taps.”

Those who took part were moved by the ceremony. “It’s representing our country and I come in memory,” said JROTC member Calvin Uber, a Hillcrest senior. “It’s a great thing to be a part of in my opinion.”

Staff Sergeant Robert Estes was also taking part in this early morning ceremony. He fought in Iraq for six months in 2003. “It just makes you feel good that they take all the young kids and help them remember a terrible day like that,” said Estes.

“JROTC really does a nice job with this ceremony,” sophomore Jodie Putman said. “I was happy to be apart of such a meaningful thing.”

A number of parents dropping off their kids for school paused for a moment to remember the events of that day eight years ago.

Three days after Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the JROTC and Hillcrest Choir honored America on the school’s in-house broadcast, “The Friday Show.” The colors were presented, a member of the Hornet Battalion led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Choir sang the National Anthem in the Student Center.