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NJROTC Stag Ball Celebrates Cadet Achievement and Unit Traditions
- Kingsley Area Schools
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Gunnery Sergeant Mathew Barr
Naval Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps Instructor
The Kingsley NJROTC proudly hosted its inaugural Stag Ball, an evening of tradition, camaraderie, and celebration of the battalion’s achievements.
The event was made especially memorable with Rear Admiral Frost serving as our esteemed Guest of Honor, lending his presence and words of encouragement to our cadets.
The evening featured a formal program, including toasts, recognition of outstanding cadets, and the time-honored Grog Ceremony, which combined humor and tradition in true NJROTC fashion. Cadets demonstrated their leadership, discipline, and esprit de corps throughout the evening, showcasing the values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment that define our program.
Rear Admiral Frost’s remarks highlighted the importance of leadership, service, and perseverance, inspiring cadets to continue striving for excellence both in NJROTC and beyond. His engagement with the students, along with the support of families, staff, and fellow cadets, made the event a remarkable success.
The inaugural Stag Ball was not just a celebration, but a testament to the dedication and hard work of our cadets.
It set a high standard for future events and strengthened the bonds of the Kingsley NJROTC family.
We look forward to continuing this tradition and building on the success of this first historic evening.
About the Kingsley High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps
Kingsley High School NJROTC was inaugurated in fall of 2024 and is the first unit in Michigan north of Flint. In just two years, the unit has earned national recognition, regional acclaim, and several individual and unit awards; including advancing to the National Academic Competition, setting records at the Cadet Leadership Challenge at Fort Custer, and impressing high-ranking military leaders during their unit inspection ceremonies.
Having an NJROTC in Kingsley has been a dream years in the making for teacher Kristen Bauer, who was instrumental in bringing the program to the district. Instructor GySgt. Mathew Barr spent 15 years in the Marines and was deployed to 40+ countries and brings a wealth of knowledge to the class. The curriculum is based in naval science but includes topics like history, strategy, navigation, astronomy, engineering, and military tactics, plus field trips to military bases and frequent community volunteer projects.