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The success of the Cadet of the Year scholarship program depends upon nominations of deserving cadets by the senior JROTC instructor at one of the 37 high schools in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties with JROTC detachments. The nominations are accompanied by a written recommendation from the nominating senior instructor. Each cadet nominated is interviewed in dress uniform by a diverse selection committee composed of three retired officers who are members of the Chapter. The interviews last approximately 15-20 minutes. Factors considered by the selection committee include but are not limited to: military bearing and appearance in uniform, cadet JROTC assignments, Advanced Placement and Honors classes taken or completed, GPA, school activities, service in the community and plans for future military service.

Three of us spend two Saturdays interviewing the top two senior cadets that the cadre instructors select from each school. On average we end up interviewing about 25-30 cadets. The competition is fierce, and we usually select the top 8-10 cadets based on our donations from our members (each cadet is awarded $1,000). Our JROTC luncheon is a favorite luncheon event as it’s an opportunity to showcase our future military leaders and recognize them with the generous financial donations from our chapter members for their achievements. It’s also an opportunity to show our gratitude to the cadre instructors and family members.

The Chapter believes the cadets benefit from the interviewing process whether they win a scholarship because they will be interviewing for positions throughout their lives. It was a privilege to share in the exciting achievements of not only what the cadets have accomplished in High School, but we shared in the excitement that two received Service Academy Appointments, and some qualified for ROTC Scholarships, and one is enlisting in the Coast Guard! Each year I think I can’t be more impressed with our selection of cadets, and each year I hear and see more potential for military service in the cadets we selected. On behalf of all three selection board members, I want to thank the hard-working Cadre Instructors who take their job seriously to train and mold our future leaders, and the family members who help guide and support their children who in many cases want to follow in their footsteps and serve our country. Job well-done Cadets!