Meade High School’s Army JROTC Battalion has been named an Honor Unit With Distinction, the highest possible honor in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Program.
The award is earned by units who scored above the 95th percentile in their triennial inspection and accreditation process. The last time the battalion earned the award was 2013.
“This is a huge honor for our JROTC program and our entire school community,” Meade Principal Dr. Ryan Durr said. “Along with our cadets, our commanders have worked incredibly hard to earn this distinction, demonstrating discipline, leadership, and a commitment to excellence every day. I am a proud principal, and it’s a GREAT day to be a Mustang!”
The inspection included a briefing on the Continuous Improvement Project the battalion has been implementing over the past year and discussion of the Battalion’s Service Learning Project, which has focused on providing tree care in concert with the Department of Public Works on Fort Meade over the course of the past year.
Cadets were interviewed as part of the process, which also included a graded Color Guard exercise and demonstration of Platoon Drill in which cadets were required to memorize and execute a specifically sequenced routine with precision.
“The achievement of this milestone after 13 years is a tremendous accomplishment for our battalion,” said Battalion Commander Angelli Martinez-Hernandez. “It reflects our strong teamwork and commitment to excellence. Mutual support and loyalty within the team has been essential in achieving this long sought-after goal and the guidance our instructors provided us has been invaluable. Their expertise and mentorship have shaped and sharpened our skills and provided direction, enabling us to overcome challenges and strive for excellence. This achievement will inspire many young Cadets to continue pushing boundaries and ultimately achieve the JROTC mission of becoming better citizens.”