Writer – LTC(R) William Molina
Photographer – Cadet Sergeant Alexys Medina
On May 14, 2025, the Fresno High School (Fresno, CA) Warrior Battalion celebrated their annual awards recognition ceremony and banquet in the historic Royce Hall on the Fresno High campus to recognize the accomplishments of battalion members who have shown excellence academically, athletically, to the JROTC program, and in the community. The monumental highlight on the evening was the presentation of the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award to Cadet/Lieutenant Colonel Emily Avila by Major General (Retired) Miguel Castellanos. MG(R) Castellanos is a native of Fresno, an alumnus of Fresno High (Class of 1984), and a graduate of Fresno State University. He earned his Regular Army commission through Fresno State ROTC in 1987 and went to have an esteemed military career. The shock and elation by the entire audience when MG(R) Castellanos handed C/LTC Avila her beautifully framed certificate and Bronze Cross medal is something C/LTC Avila will cherish for her lifetime.
It was a privilege to have MG(R) Castellanos present the prominent and highest award offered by U.S. Army Cadet Command. In the long and distinguished history of Fresno High School Army JROTC, no cadet has ever earned the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross. A colossal thank you to the Legion of Valor organization for selecting C/LTC Emily Avila for the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award.
Upon graduation in June, C/LTC Avila will start college at Fresno State University in the fall and major in Forensics. It was a remarkable honor to have taught, coached, and mentored C/LTC Emily Avila the last four years. I hope what she has learned in JROTC helps her to become the leader she aspires to be and her victories come sooner and her successes more meaningful and enduring.
