Bob Jones AFJROTC held its annual Military Ball at the Jackson Center in Huntsville Research Park. The Military Ball is a military formal event to honor military heritage and to celebrate the unit while allowing cadets to partake in a fun formal event, respecting military tradition.
The Military Ball includes many elements, such as toasts, senior sillies, mess, and its own court. They start their night off with a Social hour before the mess is declared. It’s a formal gathering where cadets introduce their guests to the cadre and converse with other unit members. Attendees can also formally introduce themselves to the administration accompanying the military ball, such as Bob Jones principal, Mrs Sylvia Lambert, and her husband, Mr Mark Lambert. We also had Mrs. Meunier, military recruiters, cadets from other JROTCs, as well as Chief Clark and his wife. We thank these attendees for coming to our event!
After social hour, the mess is formally declared, and the Honor Guard and Saber Team enter the hall. Cadets Madison Stemba and Sanai Armstead sang the national anthem during the Presentation of Colors. After the Colors were posted, C/ Hannah Barbre conducted a POW MIA ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes the soldiers whose whereabouts are unknown, represented by a white cloth, an empty chair, a red rose, a yellow ribbon, a lemon slice, salt, an inverted glass, a candle, and a bible. May we never forget.
The President of the Mess, C/ Carson Drake, introduced Mr. Vice, C/Isaiah Sims, and Ms. Vice, C/Caroline Barcomb. These 2 were responsible for the announcements for the evening. They dismissed attendees row by row for their delicious meals of the night. “I loved how there was such a variety of food and it tasted amazing!” said C/ Theresa He.
After meals and recess were finished, the MESS was commenced and cadets were seated. The cadre began their tradition for seniors, known as Senior Sillies. Senior Sillies is a warm-hearted, funny “roast” given by the cadre to the seniors. JROTC had over 40 seniors this year.
“Being a Senior in JROTC is a very rewarding experience. I remember being curious what my Senior silly would be. When the time came, it wasn’t what I expected but it was great.” – C/ Payton Moudy
After Senior Sillies, the Princes and Princesses for each class were announced. Princesses receive a tiara and a sash, as well as presented with a rose from their class Prince.
Freshman Class ; C/ David Field & C/Grace Mehta
Sophomore class ; C/ Paxton Wardrick & C/Kayleigh Garstka
Junior Class ; C/ Nicholas Fury & C/Caroline Barcomb
Senior Class ; C/Sydney Turpin & C/Carson Drake
“Tonight, a man was crowned king of a kingdom which will never fall.” – Carson Drake
Congratulations to the 2026 Military Ball Court!
After Senior Sillies and Court were announced, the Mess was concluded, and the King and Queen took the floor and invited others to dance. The DJ Mr Reek, played music that was recommended by members of the unit.
“The music was great, I loved the environment, everyone was dancing, and it was a great time.” – C/Brody Bennett.
Overall, the event was a success, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
