Here at Shadow Ridge, there are many school dances and events students can attend, but, for the ROTC program, Shadow Ridge’s cadets celebrated their annual Cadet Ball on Tuesday April 10 at 6 p.m. through 10 p.m., marking a night of tradition and camaraderie. The event was held at the Westgate Hotel down by the Las Vegas Strip.
The event was transformed into a formal setting where cadets, instructors, and guests gathered to commemorate the year’s achievements and the values of leadership and service. The evening began with cadets and their guests getting greeted by the ROTC instructors and some of the school administration. Attendees enjoyed a delicious catered dinner, including macaroni and cheese, corn dogs, salad, and the flavorful dessert being ice cream. The formal dinner gave everyone a chance to socialize and build connections among the cadets and their guests.
Sophomore Lydia Piet says, “Going into the cadet ball I was expecting a lot of people dancing and a bunch of food, and honestly, the event met every expectation of mine. There were a lot of cadets from different schools and there were teen friendly bars that served energy drinks, ice cream, and more.”
The Cadet Ball isn’t just a school event, but a formal military school event that is held annually in the spring. Ideally, It is specifically for students who are a part of the ROTC programs where they can enjoy one night with their instructors, cadets, and invited guests. It is the night where students from different schools are joined together by celebrating hard work and dedication, as well as fostering camaraderie.
“The Cadet Ball is a place where cadets can actually enjoy being themselves instead of having to be serious in leadership,” Piet states. “We can just enjoy being ourselves and have fun meeting new people. During competitions, we don’t get to talk to the other school much because we have to focus on them as competition.”
The Cadet Ball serves as a significant event in the ROTC program, strengthening the principles of discipline, respect, and teamwork. Beyond the formal aspects, the balls offer a chance for cadets to celebrate their hard work and commitment in a memorable and enjoyable setting. As the night came to an end, it was clear that the values instilled within the ROTC program would continue to guide these young leaders in their future endeavors.
Sophomore Kenneth Morales says, “I feel more connected to everyone because we are all in different ROTC programs and even though we are different, we generally go through the same things.”
