JROTC Raven Battalion holds Change of Command Ceremony

The Sussex Tech JROTC Raven Battalion held its annual Change of Command Ceremony and Dinner April 20 at the Georgetown CHEER Center. Cadet Lt. Col. Kaycee Bean of Laurel accepted the flag and responsibility of being the new battalion commander from outgoing commander Cadet Col. Dylan Varrato of Georgetown. Bean was also the recipient of the service and commitment award presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution, represented by Donna Horvath. Bean is a member of the JROTC’s Color Guard and Raider Team, and leader of the JROTC’s Unarmed Exhibition Drill Team, which won the state championship during competition earlier in the day.

Other special awards were presented to: Reserve Officers Association - Cadet Maj. Tyler Wood of Laurel; Daughters of 1812 - Cadet Capt. Ivy Colburn of Delmar; Military Order of Purple Heart - Cadet Maj. Andrew Atkins of Millsboro; and Military Order of World Wars - Cadet Lt. Col. John Crimmins of Millsboro.

Superior Cadet Awards, given to one outstanding cadet per LET level, went to the following: LET1: Cadet Cpl. Branagh James of Bridgeville, LET2: Cadet Sgt. Maj. Samantha Hawkins of Georgetown; LET3: Cadet Maj. Tyler Wood of Laurel; and LET4: Cadet Lt. Col. John Crimmins of Millsboro.

Distinguished Cadet Awards, honoring the cadet who exhibits the highest degree of excellence in scholastics, went to the following: LET1: Cadet Cpl. Mikala Herlihy of Seaford; LET2: Cadet 1st Lt. Ivy Colburn of Delmar; LET3: Cadet Maj. Robert Christensen of Harbeson; and LET4: Cadet Col. Dylan Varrato of Georgetown.

As outgoing battalion commander, Varrato was presented with a military saber that he later used to cut the ceremonial cake. Varrato has received a congressional appointment and will be attending West Point Military Academy next year.

For a complete list of JROTC Raven Battalion awards, visit www.sussexvt.k12.de.us.