Scottish Rite
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)
& Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Programs

Scottish Rite honors high school JROTC and college ROTC cadets for their contributions to their programs for Americanism, patriotism, and service to the community. The Valley of Newport News provides awards to three local colleges and thirteen high school programs. Often the ceremonies cluster together, requiring several Scottish Rite or other Masons to serve as presenters for these awards. The cadets we meet are the very best from their respective programs, and their list of service, participation, and performance is always impressive. The Valley of Newport News works hand-in-hand with Langley-Monroe Chapter 310 of the National Sojourners to provide these awards.

Scottish Rite JROTC Program for High Schools

Commencing in 1998 and approved by the Assistant Secretary of Defense, the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, initiated a program of recognition for outstanding Junior ROTC students. This initiative recognizes high school youth enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) unit for their scholastic excellence and patriotic Americanism efforts. The award consists of a medal, ribbon and a certificate suitable for framing.

Description: Approved by the Assistant Secretary of Defense, the award consists of a medal, ribbon, and certificate. The medal depicts the heraldic logo of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and by the words “JROTC Education and Americanism” calls attention to two of the major focal points of the Scottish Rite.

Purpose: This award recognizes one outstanding cadet in the second year or second to last year of their commitment to a unit. The award cannot be bestowed on a cadet in his/her first or last year of the program. To assist in preparation, a sample copy of the completed certificate is included in the award package.

Eligibility – The Cadet must:

·  Have contributed the most among cadets on campus to encourage and demonstrate Americanism by deeds or conduct during participation in extracurricular activities or community projects

·  Have demonstrated academic excellence by being in the top 25% of his/her academic class

·  Have demonstrated outstanding leadership by exhibiting qualities of dependability, good character, self discipline, good citizenship and patriotism

·  Have not previously received this award

Selection: The DAI/SAI or other senior service official or the head of the school (or both) will make the selection.

Scottish Rite ROTC Program for Colleges/Universities

Commencing in 2002, and approved by the Assistant Secretary of Defense, the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, instituted a similar award for ROTC cadets. Like the JROTC Award Program, the recipient receives three recognitions: a certificate suitable for framing, a medal, and a ribbon.

Description: Approved by the Assistant Secretary of Defense, the award consists of a medal, ribbon, and certificate. The medal depicts the heraldic double-headed eagle logo of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and by the words “ROTC Education and Americanism” calls attention to two of the major focal points of the Scottish Rite.

Purpose: This award recognizes one outstanding cadet in the second year or third year of a 4-year program.

Eligibility-The cadet must:

·  Have contributed the most among cadets on campus to encourage and demonstrate patriotism by deeds or conduct during participation in extracurricular activities or community projects

·  Have demonstrated academic excellence by being in the top 25% of his/her academic class

·  Have demonstrated a potential for outstanding leadership by exhibiting qualities of dependability, good character, self discipline, good citizenship and patriotism

·  Have not previously received this award

Selection: The Professor of Military/Naval Science will make the selection.