Story and Photos by: Julie Wengelewski
The Cretin-Derham Hall High School Army JROTC annual Diamond Promotion Ceremony took place on September 15. The Cadets who were promoted will fill key leadership positions within the Raider Brigade for the remainder of the school year. Emma Butler ’24 was appointed the 107th Brigade Commander in the Corps of Cadets’ 100-plus year history and Katie O’Donnell ’24 was appointed Deputy Brigade Commander.
During the first seven years of the program, the senior Cadet held the rank of Major. In 1925, the increased size of the Corps justified a Cadet Colonel. In 1933 and 1945, there were two commanders appointed.
The Martel Saber is presented to the new Cadet Colonel by their predecessor. The saber is an important symbol of the position of Brigade Commander. In 2006, it replaced the Patton Saber which now hangs in a place of honor in the JROTC hallway. The Senior Class that year donated the Martel Saber in memory of Brother Alphonsus Martel, a beloved teacher at Cretin High School and Cretin-Derham Hall for over 30 years who passed away in April 2004. Brother Martel was a dear friend and mentor of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
The event’s name stems from the shape of the rank for Cadet Colonel (three diamonds), Lieutenant Colonel (two diamonds) and Major (one diamond). Cadets wear these insignia on the shoulders of their uniform.
The ceremony occurred annually at Cretin High School from 1918 to 1982. Cretin-Derham Hall renewed the tradition in 1987.
We are grateful for the support of all the CDH students, parents, alumni, administration, and faculty.
September 15, 2023 Cadet Promotions
Colonel — Brigade Commander
Emma Butler ’24
Lieutenant Colonel — Brigade Deputy Commander
Katie O’Donnell ’24
Lieutenant Colonel — Brigade Executive Officer
Josie Thomas ’24
Lieutenant Colonel — 3rd Battalion Commander
Cameron Kawalec ’24
Lieutenant Colonel — 4th Battalion Commander
Lillian Moore ’24
Lieutenant Colonel — 5th Battalion Commander
Maggie Frost ’24
Lieutenant Colonel — 7th Battalion Commander
Dani Rubbelke ’24
Lieutenant Colonel — Brigade S3
Finn Dougherty ’24
Major — Brigade S1
Elizabeth Barnett ’24
Major — Brigade S2
Nolan Heuerman ’24
Major — Brigade S4
Norah Goddard ’24
Major — Brigade S5
Olivia Evans ’24
Major — 3rd Battalion Executive Officer
Max Laughlin ’24
Major — 4th Battalion Executive Officer
Kelly Hannon ’24
Major — 5th Battalion Executive Officer
Annabel Fulton ’24
Major — 7th Battalion Executive Officer
Mary Musolf ’24
Winston Churchill High School: A Day of Service Feeding the San Antonio Community
Cadets from the Winston Churchill High School JROTC program prepare food for distribution at the San Antonio Food Bank. (Photo by Dr. Keisha Spaulding) Written by Dr. Keisha Spaulding, Senior Army Instructor Cadets [...]
Wiesbaden High School: Warrior Battalion Marksmanship team wins DODEA Europe West Conference Final
Cadet Kai Malaga shoots in the kneeling position at the DODEA Europe West Conference Marksmanship Final. (Photo by Aiden Prete) Written by Cadet Kylyn Drake This year has been one of the most successful years [...]
Garfield High School: Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Garfield High School Army JROTC Cadets march in their local Martin Luther King Day Parade. (Photo by Raymond Eason, Army Instructor) Written by Terry Buckhannon, Army Instructor On Jan. 17, the Garfield High School Army [...]
