The Northmont High School Jr. ROTC recently had a military ball and it was an event to make any parent proud.

"Northmont High School's NJROTC Unit was established in the 1996-97 school year and started with 87 students," said James Griffin, Senior Chief, United States Navy (retired).

"We are a citizenship and leadership course with backing by the U.S. Navy and supported by the Northmont School District."

Today, Griffin says the group averages between 115 and 120 cadets. Cadets have gone onto many major universities including Ohio State University, Miami University, Bowling Green, West Point and the Air Force Academy.

"The course covers all four years of high school and the senior cadets do all planning and execution for the Unit's events and programs, like the Military Ball."

Griffin said this year will be the 11th year for the ball and when the group heard about Chris and Cindy St. John's Operation Show Our Love, and Sgt. Maj. Himsworth's involvement, the seniors wanted to invite them to be their guests.

"The Military Ball is an annual event, which, in the military, celebrates the anniversary of the particular service (the Navy's birthday, the Marine Corp's birthday, etc.)," Griffin said. "For us, we traditionally celebrate in the winter, when things slow down a bit, and we call it the Military Ball to celebrate all services."

He said the event is full of ceremonial traditions and run by the cadets with their parents. This year's event was catered by Kohler Catering and involved much pomp and circumstance.

"There is a receiving line, a sword arch, a formal dinner, a cake-cutting ceremony, several toasts and a dance.

"The kids have a blast putting the event on and even more fun letting loose (dancing) at the end of the evening."

Griffin said Lt. Col. Knotts and he have been instructors for the Unit since 2001 and 2003, respectively.

"He retired after 22 years in the Marine Corp and, me, after 20 years in the Navy," he said.

Since the officers' arrival, they have been nationally ranked 10th out of 622 schools and represent Area 3, which covers Minnesota to West Virginia, for four years running at the Navy Nationals in Pensacola, Fla.

"We love what we do and are extremely proud of what these high school students accomplish," Griffin said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 609-4152

or mminneman2@woh.rr.com.