The annual JROTC Military Ball will take place May 9 at Liberty High School from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.”  This event is one of the JROTC’s formal events of the year, and many cadets consider it one of the best events of the year.  The JROTC cadets are so excited to have fun with their friends and celebrate before the School year ends. It’s a special tradition that the program does. The cadets are looking forward to the karaoke, games, etc.

The military ball is a sign of honor, respect, and loyalty to the instructors and all of the cadets by the hard work, dedication, and effort that they put time in for the program that they enjoy and love. Cadets and instructors come together to recognize the dedication and effort put in throughout the year, while also welcoming newer members into the program’s traditions. 

​Formal entrances, once you get to the Military Ball they are traditional elements just to get into the dance. One of the traditional Elements is a receiving line (a receiving line is where guests meet senior leadership and honor guests), before eating, and the posting of the colors. The Military Ball is the biggest formal event that the JROTC does. In the military, they have a dine-in or a dine out for formal events like the Military Ball (a dine-in means you can’t bring a guest, and a dine out means you can bring a guest).These traditions reflect customs seen in military “dining-in” and “dining-out” events, which emphasize structure, respect, and ceremony. 

 For the Military Ball, male cadets have to wear a white button-up shirt with a black bow tie, the females have to wear a long, appropriate dress, no revealing factors, and non-cadets can wear nice slacks,dress pants, and a formal dress. Social etiquette is where you have to show your manners to people and be polite. There is table etiquette like when you are eating, you can’t put your elbows on the table, finish chowing when you’re done, ask to if you can be excused from the table, and tell them why, fold your napkin so people know you will return to your seat, and so on.

In addition to its formal aspects, the Military Ball also offers a variety of activities for cadets to enjoy. The night will feature dinner, music, dancing, games, karaoke, and a slideshow highlighting memories from the past year. Unlike other school dances, such as prom or homecoming, the Military Ball includes a full meal and is free for attendees. 

Planning for the Military Ball begins well in advance. ​The student and staff start planning what day they think is a good day for the Military Ball, then when they get that day planed thats when they start making the invitation cards for the cadets to know what to wear, the time it ends, and starts. The leadership starts thinking about the decorations for the event, what to use, and how it should be set up. The day before the Ball, everyone will stay and help set up for the Ball.

The Military Ball matters to the students to celebrate their hard work and dedication to the program, and have fun with the seniors one last time. It’s an event that the students like because they don’t have to be strict, and the students can relax and have fun. 

Overall, the Military Ball serves as both a celebration and a reflection of the JROTC program, bringing cadets together for a night of tradition, recognition, and community.