Have you ever wondered what cadets are talking about when they say they're going to the military ball? What's the difference between a regular school dance and the Ball? As the Battalion commander I have first hand experience of planning and fundraising for this event. The military ball at Park High School is for the cadets in the Junior Reserves Officer Training Corp (JROTC).

The first thing that distinguishes the ball and a formal is the military aspect of it: “it's a military tradition and mandated by the US Army,” said Senior Army instructor Sergeant Berrios. He also stated that “we get graded on this by them (the US Army).” Every year cadets are exposed to formal  traditional settings that require a high level of table etiquette. Female cadets are expected to wear formal evening gowns or their issued uniform while male cadets wear their uniforms with modifications. Cadets are allowed to bring two guests who must also abide by the strict dress code. If someone fails to follow the dress code they are subject to removal. The main goal though of the ball is to reward cadets for their hard work over the past year and do important promotions as done in previous years. 

Some cadets get timid when hearing about getting evaluated by the United States Army, but I say just show up, feel good, enjoy the color guard and food. When cadets and guests enter they are assigned seats and asked to stand during the singing of the national anthem, presentation by the color guard, and while a few speeches are given. We recognize prisoners of war and those who didn't make it back home by setting up a table just for them. After this dinner is served followed by cake and the start of the informal ball is a cadet dance with a DJ lasting until 11 at night. If anyone is late for the formal part they are not be let in the building until the informal part has begun.  

The military ball is not a winter formal. The winter formal isn't formal at all. As Student Government co-advisor Mr. Whitt, said, “it's a school dance just like homecoming to celebrate the past semester.” He continued explaining that it's bringing the beginning of the year energy back. He wants to separate the formal part of the winter dance to get more kids to sign up. A dance like this can help with winter blues and give students a motivational boost. For students this can be something to look forward to instead of the long waiting for spring break. We’ve had one winter formal in the past six years and Mr. Whitt would like to see that change.

Overall, going to a military ball is an exciting experience for cadets and their families. It's limited for certain cadets who are eligible to go and it's nice to give back to the JROTC program for their hard work over the school year.