Story by and Photos by: C/2LT Zackary Baltimore

On September 22, 2023, in Matthews NC. The Butler High School Army JROTC Bulldog Battalion honored this year’s homecoming court with a presentation of the National Colors and an honor guard for the homecoming court presentation. During the pregame ceremony, a 40 Cadet flag detail presented an American flag measuring 60 feet long by 20 feet wide while the Butler High School Marching Band played the National Anthem. This is an annual presentation of the American flag at the 50-yard line done during homecoming to honor the start of another school year and crowning of a new homecoming court.

Butler JROTC Flag Detail preparing to take the field
Butler JROTC Flag Detail Preparing to Take the Field
Cadet preparing prior to Flag Detail Presentation
Cadet Preparing Prior to Flag Detail Presentation

The honors for the homecoming court continued during halftime with a Cadet led honor guard during the crowning of the homecoming King and Queen. 11 Cadets formed an honor guard archway using sabers and rifles. The members of the homecoming court passed through the archway with their parents as their names were announced. This year’s honor guard was commanded by the Army JROTC Battalion Commander, Cadet/Lieutenant Colonel Will McKean, the Executive Officer, Cadet/Major Noah Michaud, and Cadet/Command Sergeant Major Olivia Kassebaum.

Homecoming Court presentation with JROTC Honor Guard
Homecoming Court Presentation with JROTC Honor Guard
JROTC Honor Guard prensenting Bulter HS Homecoming Court
JROTC Honor Guard Presentation

This event also gave the Bulldog Battalion the opportunity to use an aerial Drone for photography during the presentation of the American Flag. Cadet/2nd Lieutenant Zachary Baltimore piloted a drone above the stadium in order to photograph the event. He earned his FAA-certified drone license this summer during a weeklong drone licensing program at JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge held at Fort Jackson, SC.

Butler JROTC Honor Guard marching off of the football field
Butler JROTC Honor Guard marching off of the football field
JROTC Cadet Leadership; Executive Officer, Major Noah Michaud, Lieutenant Colonel Will McKean, and Command Sergeant Major Oliva Kasselbaum
JROTC Cadet Leadership; Executive Officer, Major Noah Michaud, Lieutenant Colonel Will McKean, and Command Sergeant Major Oliva Kasselbaum

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