Trinity and Wheatmore high school cadets in the Air Force Junior ROTC were honored for their achievements during the school year.

Instructors Lt. Col. Ray Carter (senior aerospace science instructor) and Senior Master Sgt. Jim Hedgecock (aerospace science instructor) presented almost 500 individual awards.

Approximately 200 parents, guests, and staff also attended.

Trinity High School Principal Denise Lackey officiated at this 16th annual ceremony. During the ceremony, Hedgecock surprised the jubilant crowd with an annoucement that the program was named a Headquarters Outstanding Organization for the 2009-2010 School Year.

Cadet Col. Alexandra Sechrist (group commander) and Hedgecock presented the individual awards.

Shane Chotos (former “B” flight commander) and Emily Fields (“D” flight commander) led their respective flights to outstanding honors for the fall and spring semesters.

Johnathan Shaver and Cody Dalton earned Most Improved Cadet.

Jesse Peele was recognized as the April Cadet of the Month.

Greg Gillean and Preston Rich received certificates for completion of at least 50 miles during the semester.

Ashley Bodenheimer earned a special ribbon from the Tuskegee Airmen for academic and AFJROTC excellence.

Devon Conder received the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Celebrate Freedom award.

The Aerospace Education Foundation award for academic excellence went to Shane Chotos, Emily Fields, Lori Ross, Jorge Soto, Matthew Storie and Austin Wood.

Preston Rich earned the Distinguished Cadet award for outstanding professionalism and leadership.

Josh Peele achieved the Air Force Sergeant’s Association award, which was presented by TSgt Steve Miller from Pope Air Force Base.

David Cash received the Military Order of the Purple Heart from (Retired) Col. David “Bulldog” Smith.

Angel Gerringer received The Scottish Rite award from the Southern Jurisdiction.

Zach Terwilliger garnered the Sons of American Revolution award from Jim Severs.

Other award winners include the following:

Lori Ross achieved the National Sojourners award.

Commander Robert Moore of VFW Post 9899 in Archdale presented the Veterans of Foreign Wars award to Zach Scott.

Jesse Peele was acknowledged by Lt. Col. Carter with the Military Officers Association of America award.

Brandon Akins received the Military Order of the World Wars award and Charles Bodenheimer, an award from the Reserve Officers Association.

Krista Keith was surprised to learn that she had received the American Veterans (AMVETS) award.

Emily Fields captured the prestigious Daughters of the American Revolution medal and a certificate from the Alexander Martin DAR Chapter Regent, Suzie Phipps.

Retired Master Sgt. Tim Gulledge, commander of Post 87 and a 1977 THS graduate, presented the American Legion General Military Excellence Award to Preston Rich. He also presented the American Legion Scholastic award to Alexandra Sechrist.

Sechrist also earned the prestigious Cadet of the Year award for superior achievements.

Garrett Smith garnered the Air Force Association medal and certificate, presented by Lt. Col. Carter.

Seniors David Cash, Mike Devriend, Angel Gerringer, Austin Hayes, Alexandra Sechrist and Logan Stemple will wear senior cords during graduation.

Flying Bulldog supporters received accolades for service. Certificates went to Angela Agner, Tina Bodenheimer, Cassie Bryalko, Rhonda Waynick and David and Kathy Fields.

Tina Bodenheimer provided a cake for the event. Special gratitude was additionally extended to Tom and Donna Stevenson for faithfully organizing and serving refreshments after the ceremony.

Cadet Lt. Col. Garrett Smith, promoted to Cadet Colonel, will replace Sechrist as the group commander.

Parents and staff commented that the entire ceremony was a “superb reflection” of the teamwork displayed between Trinity and Wheatmore high schools. Lt. Col. Carter and Senior Master Sgt. Hedgecock offered a final heartfelt “well done” to the entire team plus those who support the AFJROTC program.