On Saturday, May 7th 2016, the annual Santiago AFJROTC Military Ball took place. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, dancing, fine dining, and an amazing awards ceremony, in which many of Santiago finest cadets won awards both nationally and locally. Big congratulations to Santiago for winning best class in the state three years in a row.

To start off the night the Sergeants presented all seniors in JROTC with an award for completing their time. After that, the group adjourned to the ballroom for a heartfelt speech from Master Sergeant Banks about his wonderful time starting the program and how he watched it grow and flourish into what it is now. However, he ended his speech stating that he needed to further his career even if it meant leaving behind the people that he has come to know and love. He has applied for a job as Vice Principal and if he gets it, he will leave. Concluding his very emotionally touching speech, dinner was served. There was a choice of beef, chicken, and vegetarian entrees. From there, the awards were presented and Santiago once more won best JROTC class in California for the third year in a row. Finally, the DJ began to play and the dance session began. The night was soon over…

Overall, the night was amazing, the food was excellent, and the school spirit was palpable. Once again, some huge congratulations to Master Sergeant Banks and too all our cadets at Santiago.