107th JROTC Fall Review Honors Legacy of Service and Leadership

October 1, 2025

The 107th Annual JROTC Fall Review Ceremony took place on October 1 at Wingerd Field, commemorating the first public march of the Corps of Cadets during the November 1918 Thanksgiving Day Parade. That historic event, held just days after the end of World War I, marked the debut of the cadets in uniform and began a legacy of discipline, leadership, and service that continues to this day.

The ceremony also marked the official induction of new cadets into the Raider Brigade Corps. A select group of ninth-grade cadets were recognized for their early excellence in military drill, classroom performance, and leadership potential.

This year, the Raider Brigade stands at over 260 cadets strong, representing nearly every corner of student life - including athletics, band, choir, theater, Campus Ministry, National Honor Society, Student Council, and other school activities.

Cadet Colonel Bridget Bower '26 served as the Host Commander for the parade, while Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Bryn McSherry '26 commanded the troops. During her address, Cadet Colonel Bower highlighted the importance of tradition, service, and early involvement.

“Only a few weeks into the school year, the 9th grade class that we honor today is already making a positive mark on the school and the Raider Brigade,” Bower said. “As the largest service organization at CDH, JROTC is extremely active in both school and community service. Already, many of our new cadets have donated their personal time for the benefit of others.”

The Reviewing Officer for the ceremony was Sergeant Major David Berrisford, Senior Enlisted Army Instructor at Cretin-Derham Hall. He conducted a formal inspection of the troops alongside Cadet Colonel Bower, observing their readiness and discipline. In his remarks, Sergeant Major Berrisford thanked families, faculty, and staff for their continued support of the program.

“The tradition of consistent excellence, the many hours of service rendered to the school and community, and the leadership displayed set the example for all,” he said. “The mission of JROTC is ‘to motivate young people to become better citizens.’ Cadets, the commitment to leadership and citizenship you show by being part of JROTC will serve you for life.”

A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to ninth-grade cadets who have shown exemplary motivation and performance early in their JROTC experience. Each award included a medal, a certificate, a Commendation Ribbon, and a distinctive black cord to be worn on their uniform. The honored cadets were:

• Cadet PVT Madeline Hamiel ’29

• Cadet PVT Audrina Walsh-Smith ’29

• Cadet PVT Colin Burns ’29

• Cadet PVT Leila Fruean ’29

• Cadet PVT Claudia Miller ’29

• Cadet PVT Gracie Schreirer ’29

• Cadet PVT Lexi Robicheau ’29

• Cadet PVT Ian O’Connell ’29

The ceremony also featured a full parade with each battalion passing in review. Cadet Lieutenant Colonels Olivia Laughlin '26, Katherine Campbell '26, Connor Macke '26, and Jamaya Anderson '26 commanded their respective battalions. Company Commanders included Cadet Captains Harrison Cavanaugh '26, Teagan Wheaton '26, Ja’Dale Thompson '26, Haydee Walz '26, George Enestvedt '26, Asger Smestad '26, Carl Steinhoff '26, and Evelyn Rheihe '26.

The Cretin-Derham Hall Band, under the direction of Mr. Teddy Williams, accompanied the ceremony with military music, continuing a tradition that dates back to the original 1918 parade.