Twilight Parade Honors Cadets and Retiring MSG Ken Peloski; Raider Brigade Alumni in Attendance
May 7, 2025
The annual Twilight Parade and Awards Ceremony took place on the evening of May 7, continuing a proud tradition of recognizing excellence and leadership in the JROTC program while celebrating the enduring legacy of the Raider Brigade.
The event began with a welcome from Sergeant Major Dave Berrisford ’81, who provided an update on the CDH JROTC program and acknowledged alumni of the Raider Brigade in attendance. “Thank you for your contributions and continued support,” Berrisford said, emphasizing the impact of former cadets on the present and future of the program.
Cadet Colonel Jeremiah Thom '25, this year’s Brigade Commander, served as host for the ceremony, leading the procession and guiding the audience through the evening’s formalities. The Cretin-Derham Hall Band, directed by Mr. Teddy Williams, provided musical accompaniment throughout the parade.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Master Sergeant (Retired) Ken Peloski, who participated in his final Twilight Parade. After 17 years of service at Cretin-Derham Hall, MSG Peloski was honored for his dedication to mentoring and guiding cadets. “Hundreds if not thousands of cadets owe you their thanks for your leadership, guidance, and mentorship over the years,” SGM Berrisford said. “You will be dearly missed by all.” MSG Peloski delivered a heartfelt farewell address to the crowd, expressing gratitude to his family, who were in attendance, for all of their support over the years.
Following the parade, cadets were presented with awards in recognition of their achievements and leadership. The final act of the evening was the change in command. The Class of 2025 formally passed on leadership of the Corps to the Class of 2026. The senior cadets marked the occasion—and their final parade—with the traditional beret toss, a moment of celebration, pride, and farewell.
Awards
The Department of the Army Superior Cadet Award
- Cadet Norah Poynter '28
- Cadet Olivia Perry '27
- Cadet Bridget Bower '26
- Cadet Makenzi Johnson '25
The Junior ROTC Citizenship Award
- Cadet Genvieve Thomas '26
- Cadet Liedea Zerihun '26
- Cadet Elizabeth McQuillan '27
- Cadet Miley Stoeklen '27
The Raider Brigade Junior ROTC Academic Excellence Award
- Cadet Olivia Tharp '26
- Cadet Lucy Keating '26
- Cadet Jack Morrissey '27
- Cadet Colin Smith '27
Raider Brigade Junior ROTC Military Excellence Awards
- Cadet Bryn McSherry '26
- Cadet Anne Cavanaugh '27
- Cadet Jack Van Gemert '27
- Cadet Kara Callahan '27
The Raider Brigade Junior ROTC Service Excellence Award
- Cadet Nola Turner '27
- Cadet Adeline Larson '27
- Cadet Lauren Fairbairn '27
The Williams Brothers JROTC Cadet Scholarship
- Cadet Ellen Kovats '26
- Cadet Joe Massari '27
Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Medal
- Cadet Joseph Ehling '25
The Sons of the American Revolution ROTC Medal
- Cadet John Cavanaugh '25
The Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Good Citizenship Medal
- Cadet Ryan O’Connell '27
The D.A.R. JROTC Medal
-
Cadet Emma Donnelly '25
The Daughters of the American Colonists Award
- Cadet Isabella Wengelewski '26
The Military Officers’ Association of America Medal
- Cadet William Guion '25
The Reserve Organization of America Medal
- Cadet Charlotte Fotsch '25
The American Veterans Association JROTC Medal
- Cadet Conner Macke '26
The AUSA ROTC Medal
- Cadet Ian Detweieler '28
The MOPH ROTC Medal
- Cadet Darby Peterson '26
The National Sojourner’s Award
- Cadet Mackenzie Thomas '26
The Scholastic Excellence Medals
- Gold: Cadet Lupe Fruean '25
- Silver: Cadet Katherine Campbell '26
- Bronze: Cadet Katie Nobrega '27
The American Legion Military Excellence Medals
- Gold: Cadet Finn Wermager '25
- Silver: Cadet Mackenzie Steineman '26
- Bronze: Cadet Greta Johnson '27
The Veterans of Foreign Wars JROTC Medals
- Cadet Andrew Jensen '25
- Cadet Haydee Walz '26
- Cadet Denise Bueno '27
The Minnesota Society of the US – Daughters of 1812 award
- Cadet Jamaya Anderson '26
The United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award
- Cadet Noah Gomez '25
The United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award
- Cadet Brady Stoeklen '25
- Cadet Megan Buri '26