The JROTC Cadet of the Quarter Boards, set to happen in March, is a new way to recognize outstanding cadets in the Spartan Battalion. Created by Cadet Colonel Battalion Comdr. Johnnie Walton (12) and other Staff and Leadership groups of the Battalion, this type of board is unique because it grants every cadet in the program a chance to be acknowledged for their accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. 

“In JROTC, everything is done through a ‘board,’ which basically consists of a panel of cadet leaders who ask questions on a range of topics to determine when a cadet is suited for a promotion of rank or position,” Walton said.

Before entering the quarter boards, cadets must be nominated by their Platoon Sergeant. After nomination, they are required to fill out a packet with questions about why they deserve to be cadet of the quarter, what their involvement looks like inside of the JROTC program and how they will continue to set an example in their battalion. Next, each cadet sits before a board where they will be asked about JROTC drill, knowledge and curriculum. 

“Cadets are also scored on judgement skills, critical thinking, overall confidence, uniform cleanliness and answer precision,” Walton said. “Each category is scored from one to three, and the highest mean score from all board members represents the winning cadet.”

Because of COVID-19, Walton had to modify the boards’ policy for virtual learning. Through the virtual board, there is an increased number of training, preparation and advertising that must be completed to ensure cadets have the same opportunities as they would in person. 

“[Walton] has done great things for the battalion in planning events and meetings despite COVID-19,” Knowledge Bowl Commander and HQ Company Commander Aditi Mishra (10) said.

Due to Walton’s and other JROTC leaders’ hard work, the Cadets of the Quarter Boards are still set to happen from March 7-11 despite setbacks from the pandemic. 

“[Walton] is a great leader,” Cadet Arianna Hong (10) said. “She is very passionate about JROTC and gives it her all for the best performance. Even while doing so much in JROTC as the battalion commander and unarmed commander, she seems to balance her schoolwork and JROTC work very well, which is something I personally respect her for.”