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Reaching to the chocolate fountain, cadets enjoy the desserts offered at the military ball. Compared to the last military ball, more cadets showed up to recognize each other.
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Standing tall, Master of Ceremonies (MC) Alex Rupe ‘27 reads her speech at the military ball. Collaborating with the MC from Hutto, she narrated the entire event. “I love standing up on a stage and talking,” Rupe said. “It gives me a sense of importance, and it makes me feel good because I feel like I’m contributing to the bigger picture.”
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Side by side, the chiefs from both schools walk through the saber arc. The chiefs’ walk opened the recognition of senior cadets.
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Standing on the stage, the military ball royalty poses for a photo after being crowned. Dressed in formal attire, the program’s student leadership was recognized by their fellow cadets.
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Standing in line for dinner, sophomores Seljan Guliyeva and Schiki Ezhilan hold their plates as volunteers dish out food. Many attendants mentioned the quality of food being one of the highlights of the event.
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) cadets gathered in the cafeteria to celebrate the traditional military ball in association with Hutto High School’s AFJROTC unit on Saturday, Feb. 14. In collaboration with the project officers Geet Nijhawan ‘27, Aarush Chakravarthy Chittineni ‘28, and volunteers, AFJROTC prepared this year’s ball according to the theme ‘Masquerade of Hearts’.
The military ball is an annual event where AFJROTC cadets from all grade levels gather together to celebrate their achievements and etiquette in a formal setting. This event is planned by senior cadets.
“I made masks for my friends and it was really fun to just have that experience,” Cadet Airman (C/Amn) Seljan Guliyeva ‘28 said. “I think the military ball is a really cool thing because it’s a party with everyone you know there.”
The night started with a presentation of colors followed by the Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) table ceremony, which paid tribute to POWs and honored the missing comrades of the Vietnam War. After cutting the ceremonial cake, the guests were hosted for dinner sponsored by the Booster Club and volunteers.
“My favorite part was definitely the food,” Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSgt) Schiki Ezhilan ‘28 said. “This time it was from an Italian restaurant. You get to experience the formality of the military setting and feel disciplined, but also at the same time you’re having fun.”
Senior cadets were then each recognized by walking through the saber arc escorted by their family and friends. Afterward, the Corps Commanders addressed the audience, and the royal courts were crowned. At the end of the traditional ceremonies, the attendees were welcome to join the dance and celebrate this year’s military ball.
“It’s always really fun,” Alex Rupe ‘27 said. “This is my second year being the [Master of Ceremonies], because public speaking is something I enjoy doing. Afterwards it’s fun too, because it turns into a dance, and you get to hang out with your friends until 11 o’clock, which is really great.”
