By Debbie Adams
The Roanoke County Corps of Cadets held its End-of-Year Awards Ceremony at William Byrd
High School on May 15. According to Command Senior Chief Shawn Wingle, the ceremony
“recognized the dedication, leadership, discipline, and growth of our cadets throughout the
2025–2026 school year.”
“This year has been one of tremendous success for our program. Our cadets recruited 42 new
students, strengthened their leadership abilities, sharpened their teamwork skills, and continued
building a foundation of excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Most importantly,
they demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity, pride, and commitment. We are
incredibly proud of every cadet in our unit.”
Award recipients for 2025-2026 included:
Roanoke County Cadet of the Year: Cadet Landen Martin
Distinguished Cadets Award: Cadets Jonathan Price (NS1), Jaxon Fowler (NS2), Alexis Short
(NS3), and Nancy McFalls (NS4) (This is the highest award a cadet can receive. It is given to
only one cadet in each year group with the highest combined average for overall scholastic
standing, aptitude in the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC), unit activities, physical
fitness, community service, and drill.)
Jaxon Fowler, and Nancy McFalls (photo by Debbie Adams)
Honor Cadets are recognized by year group: Cadets Zoey Otey (NS1), Jaxon Fowler (NS2),
Andrew Bartley (NS3), and Nancy McFalls (NS4)
Fowler, and Andrew Bartley (photo by Debbie Adams)
Command Senior Chief Dedication Award: Cadets Ava Martin, Sydney Pearson, and Jonathan
Price (The winners of this award are chosen by Command Senior Chief Shawn Wingle, Naval
Science Instructor.)
Ava Martin, Sydney Pearson, and Jonathan Price. (photo courtesy of NNDCC)
Most Improved Cadet Award: Cadets Shawn Bunce and Dean Woodward
Inspiration Award: Cadet Brady Maxey (The Inspiration Award recognizes a cadet who
consistently maintains a positive attitude in class and motivates others through their enthusiasm,
encouragement, and example.) Brady’s outlook and energy have made a positive impact on the
program throughout the year.
The Cadet Talent Award: Cadet Ainsley Beasley (The Cadet Talent Award recognizes cadets
who successfully balance multiple commitments while excelling in their talents and
responsibilities.) Aiden’s involvement in jazz band while also dedicating time and effort to the
NNDCC program demonstrates strong talent, discipline, and exceptional time-management
skills.
Iron Cadet Award: Cadet Luke Blankenship and Cadet Amaya Alton (The Iron Cadet Award is
presented to cadets who have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a high level of
physical fitness within the program. It recognizes those who consistently push themselves and
show strength both mentally and physically.)
Deckplate Award: Cadet Franklin Apple (The Deckplate Award recognizes cadets who are
dependable, hardworking, and always willing to contribute. These cadets consistently get things
done, support their team, and can always be counted on to complete tasks and help the program
succeed.)
Future Marine Award: Cadet Bridgette Wray
Color Guard Leadership Award: Cadet Chaelyn Bandy
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Outstanding Cadet Medal: Cadet Chaelyn Bandy
(The recipient of the DAR Medal demonstrates academic excellence, dependability, good
character, adherence to military discipline, leadership, and a fundamental and patriotic
understanding of the importance of cadet training.) The award was presented by Treasurer
Heather Menzies and Regent Susan Doyle of the local DAR Chapter.
members Susan Doyle (on left) and Heather Menzies. (photo by Debbie Adams)
Vinton VFW Cadet of the Year Award: Cadet Nathaniel Hale (To be nominated for the VFW
JROTC Medal, the cadet must show outstanding achievement in the cadet program and provide
excellent leadership. They need to show exceptional professionalism in appearance and military
bearing. They also must demonstrate the potential and willingness to assume higher levels of
responsibility.)
The Order of the Daedalians Award: Cadet Zoey Otey (The Order of Daedalians is a fraternity of
commissioned military pilots from all military services. It is named after the legendary figure
Daedalus and was organized by World War I commissioned military pilots who sought to
perpetuate the spirit of patriotism, love of country, and those high ideals of self-sacrifice which
place service to the nation above personal safety and position.)
The Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, USA Award: Cadet Alexis Short (To earn this award, a
cadet has to contribute the most among cadets in the Corps to encourage and demonstrate
Americanism during participation in extracurricular activities or community projects. They must
demonstrate academic excellence by being in the top 25% of their academic class. They must
demonstrate outstanding leadership by exhibiting qualities of dependability, good character, self-
discipline, good citizenship, and patriotism.)
MOAA Award and $50 Scholarship: Cadet Jaxon Fowler (The Military Officers Association of
America chooses a cadet for their medal who has demonstrated a high degree of loyalty to the
unit, school, and country. They must be in good academic standing and of high moral character.
They must demonstrate exceptional potential for military leadership.)
The Naval Science Leadership Award: Jeniel Johnson (This award goes to a cadet who has
demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout the year. It recognizes cadets who lead by
example, take initiative, and positively influence the program and their fellow cadets.)
AMVETS Award and $1,000 Scholarship: Cadet Andrew Bartley (The winner of the AMVETS
medal must demonstrate a positive attitude toward the Corps and exhibit great uniform wear,
grooming, and posture. They must display initiative, dependability, judgment and self-
confidence. In addition, they should demonstrate officer potential and maintain an A in
NNDCC.) Each year AMVETS sponsors an essay contest for graduating seniors. A handful are
chosen from across southwestern Virginia to receive the $1,000 scholarship.
“To our cadets: thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence
throughout this year,” Wingle said in conclusion. “Your leadership continues to set the standard,
and the future is incredibly bright for each of you. These cadets are laying the foundation for a
great program!
“A special thank you goes out to all parents, families, faculty, and community supporters who
continue to stand behind this program and our cadets.”
