On April 24, the Lafayette Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) will hold its formal Awards Night to recognize the students who stood out through their leadership skills inside of the school and community. The event will consist of a dinner and ceremony which the president and vice president of ROTC will lead.

A commencement lighting of candles will be held along with recognition of the cadets. As well, a rose is placed in every table setting in memory of fallen soldiers, a military tradition, so that they are part of the ceremony although they are not there physically.

During the ceremony, national awards will be distributed along with some just recognized  inside of the school.

“This is a great opportunity to recognize the students who step up in our school and make an impact,” Colonel Mike Berenc, AFJROTC instructor, said.

Students ranging from 9th to 12th grade will be receiving awards.  Aaron Thompson, sophomore, will be attending the banquet for his second year in a row after being awarded the The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) Exemplary Leadership award last year.

“I invited Mrs. Mabie to attend the banquet as my guest because she drives Colonel B to school every morning and she is one of my favorite teachers,” Thompson said “It’s really good food and its a fun opportunity to hangout with your friends and possibly get an award.”

Also, scholarships and a hall of fame induction will take place for previous students who have made a significant impact upon Lafayette and continue to serve. Some of the scholarships start at $1,000, but some range higher.

“These scholarships aren’t always given to the kids with a 3.5 GPA, we also give it to the kids that may have a lower GPA but they work very hard and you can tell they take pride in what they do,” Berenc said.