At this year’s annual Military Ball for Brewster ROTC members, we had over 180 attendees. Located in the Amber Room in Danbury, our attendees danced the night away without any shame, making the night one to remember.
Our opening ceremony consisted of the sword arch commanded by Ethan Cruz, the color guard commanded by Cody Martine, and the POW/MIA table which was organized by Operations Officer Chasiti Bobet-Diaz. We had a couple of Rank-Ups this year, a tradition that is honored and recognized at the Ball, as cadets worked tirelessly to complete the necessary tasks. The rank ups were as follows:
- Yeimi Monroy – Seaman
- Brooklyn Scott – Seaman
- Christian Fox – Seaman
- Gia DiBenedetto – Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Janella Patino – Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Joel Ramirez- Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Wyatt Lewis – Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Charliegh Scott – Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Grace Campbell – Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Ariel Marte – Petty Officer 1st Class
- Jon Antokoletz – Petty Officer 1st Class
- Heison Garcia – Chief Petty Officer
- Michael Llinguin – Chief Petty Officer
During our Cake Cutting Ceremony, it’s tradition that the most senior cadet and the youngest cadet cut the cake together. Our most senior cadet this year is Commanding Officer Danna Hernandez and our youngest cadet is NS1 Angel Chinchilima, who cut the cake with ease and skill.
We also started a new tradition at our military ball this year—Siren and Sailor. This is our version of prom King and Queen, where our Senior Cadets apply to be able to win this honor. They then go and campaign among the cadets to try and win their votes. This year, the very first Sailor of this new tradition was Patrick Williams and our first Siren was Danna Hernandez.
In addition to the Siren and Sailor, we had the Seagull which is awarded to a Freshman Cadet who has shown dedication and service along with some much needed comedic relief throughout the night. This was awarded to NS1 Cadet Keegan Fallon.
Congratulations to all recipients! What a wonderful time we all had that night dancing and congratulating each other on being one of the best units in the area. It was a much deserved celebration.