Since 1998 the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction initiated a program of recognition for outstanding Junior ROTC students approved by the Assistant Secretary of Defense. This initiative recognizes high school youth enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) for their scholastic excellence and patriotic Americanism efforts. The award consists of a medal, ribbon, and a certificate suitable for framing. The medal depicts the heraldic logo of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and the words “JROTC Education and Americanism” calls attention to two of the major focal points of the Scottish Rite. This award recognizes outstanding cadets for their commitment to their unit.
To be eligible to receive this award, the Cadet must have: contributed the most among cadets on campus to encourage and demonstrate Americanism by deeds or conduct during participation in extracurricular activities or community projects; demonstrated academic excellence by being in the top 25% of his/her academic class; and demonstrated outstanding leadership by exhibiting qualities of dependability, good character, self-discipline, good citizenship, and patriotism.
Taylor County JROTC received their Scottish Rite medals today. Presented by Rusty Ludlam, who works with the schools as a Speech-Lanugage Pathologist and knows many of the kids personally, and Paul R. Swanson, 32° from the Valley of Tallahassee, the jurisdiction presenting the medals and certificates. Rusty is KCCH out of Jacksonville Scottish Rite and kindly offered his aid and assistance for this event. It was fun to support Tallahassee Valley’s brother Randy Nickols’s program with Rusty.
