The Stephen F. Austin High School Navy Junior ROTC received notification that it has been awarded the 2010-2011 Distinguished Unit Award by the United States Navy for outstanding performance during the past school year. Of the 67 Navy Junior Officer Training Corps Programs within the state of Texas, Stephen F. Austin was ranked 5th! This is the unit’s 7th consecutive award!
Selection factors are weighted mostly towards the unit’s annual inspection posture, scholastic achievement, participation in drill and field meets and their overall military performance, community service, school support and academic performance. The unit also must have demonstrated success in competitive events including drill team, color guard, marksmanship, physical fitness and academic team. Being designated a Distinguished Unit is the highest recognition that an individual NJROTC Unit can receive.
The award’s citation reads as follows:
“The Commander, Naval Service Training Command takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Unit Award to Stephen F. Austin High School for outstanding performance during school year 2010-2011 in recognition of the exceptional professional ability, initiative and dedication demonstrated by its Naval Science Instructors; the outstanding support provided by the school administration; the excellent atmosphere prevalent throughout the school in support of the Navy Junior ROTC program; the exemplary appearance, military bearing and courtesies exhibited by its cadets; the active participation of the unit in support of school, community and other extracurricular activities and services; and the superb discipline demonstrated by the cadets during drill meets and other public appearances, the Stephen F. Austin High School Junior ROTC unit has been selected as a Distinguished Unit.”
The AHS Navy JROTC program, taught by LCDR Ed Sellards and MCPO Joe Girdner, is open to students in grades 9-12 who display acceptable standards in academics and behavior and meet other eligibility requirements. The cadets are provided with uniforms, books, training aids and other types of equipment paid for by the Navy. It is an education program, and the cadets are under no obligation to the Navy.