Overhills High School Resource Officer, Deputy Murphy and Cadet Nina Landolfi, present a wreath at a ceremonial lowering of the flag to half-staff. (Photo by Cadet Kailynn Zenj-Ra)

Written by Cadet Kailynn Zenj-Ra

On Sept. 11, Overhills High School JROTC, Spring Lake, North Carolina, held a moving and respectful ceremony to honor the victims, first responders, and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Held in front of the school’s flagpole, the ceremony drew a crowd of students, faculty, local veterans, and community members. The event began with opening remarks from the interim principal, Frederick Clarida. The color guard presented the colors during the national anthem and held a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m.—the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Led by the Special Project Officer, Cadet Crissy Mitchell, leaders took turns speaking about the significance of the day and its lasting impact on the nation.

“Today is not just about remembering tragedy,” said Cadet Kaiser Clark. “It’s about honoring the resilience, bravery, and unity that came in its aftermath.”

The ceremony also included a wreath-laying presented by School Resource Officer, Deputy Murphy and Cadet Nina Landolfi, a ceremonial lowering of the flag to half-staff, and a performance of “Taps” by a student bugler.

The faculty, staff, and community praised the cadets for their professionalism and dedication.

“Our cadets understand the importance of service, sacrifice, and remembrance. They did a tremendous job honoring those lost and reminding us why we must never forget” said retired Major Alexis McClain, Senior Army Instructor.

The annual ceremony is a tradition at OHS and a cornerstone of the JROTC’s mission to instill leadership, citizenship, and respect for American values.

Creek Wood High School: Cadet honors Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

December 15th, 2025|Comments Off on Creek Wood High School: Cadet honors Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Cadet Mallerie Goulding (Photo by Jodi Orman) Written by Ronald Schlangen Cadet Mallerie Goulding of the Red Hawk Battalion recently experienced one of the nation's most profound honors when she was selected to lay a [...]

Howard High School: Cadets win first at regulation drill competition

December 15th, 2025|Comments Off on Howard High School: Cadets win first at regulation drill competition

Howard High School Army JROTC Lions Battalion celebrates their success at the Dec. 6 Atholton Drill Competition with an impressive display of teamwork and precision. (Photo by Cadets Iliana Gaitan-McCastle and Biak Tial) Written by [...]

Ansbach High School: Cadet embraces leadership opportunities

December 15th, 2025|Comments Off on Ansbach High School: Cadet embraces leadership opportunities

Cadet Kennedy Lange (Photo by Madonna Roberts, Senior Army Instructor) Written by Cadet Marley Shackleton Cadet Kennedy Lange, an Army JROTC Cadet from Ansbach High School, received the distinct honor of attending two leadership programs [...]