On November 21, the JROTC cadets held their annual military ball in Jeffersontown High School’s small gym. According to many the of many cadets, it truly was a night to remember…

            Samantha Pietrasiewicz, a senior cadet, went for her very last year. The Imprint asked for her input on how the evening went.

What are you going to miss about the military ball?

Getting ready (hair, make-up and getting my nails done.) I’ll also miss going shopping to pick out my ball gown.

What did you like about it?

Being there with all of my friends, dancing and seeing how everyone else dressed up.

Was your senior year your favorite year?

Yes, because I enjoyed the people I was there with.

What do you feel was the best part of the evening?

Dancing with my date because he didn’t step on my dress at all.

It’s almost the day which cadets of J-town High School have been longing for - Saturday, November 21, 2009, the JROTC will be hosting the 38^th annual Military Ball.  They will be celebrating the 234^th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

Sierra and Kristen practice the "Chicken Dance."

          This event is mandatory for cadets to attend, and each year they have a wonderful time.  In order for other students to be present at the Ball, they must be invited by a JROTC cadet as their escort.  The only exception is for teachers, staff and parents who are also invited to attend if they choose, however, seating is limited.

This dance/ dinner has always been highly formal and creates several lasting memories.  Ladies wear long, evening dresses while the gentlemen wear suits and ties.  The evening commences at 6:30 p.m. when the doors open for the cadets’ arrival, and the dinner begins at 6:45. 

 Afterwards, they hold a ceremony which includes a birthday cake for the USMC and a dance which are both held in the small gym.  This year’s dinner includes: fresh fruit salad, hand- carved sirloin of beef with homemade gravy, oven-roasted chicken with lemon butter and white wine sauce, homemade mashed potatoes, seasoned green beans, buttered corn, yeast rolls, and real butter.  However, you cannot forget the dessert which is Banana Bread Pudding with a KY Caramel Sauce.

Two girls trying on dresses to prepare for the "BIG NIGHT."

The music is definitely one of the biggest hits of this event.  Dancing is the highlight of the evening and what makes it a true Military “BALL!!”  Music will be provided by “Dance Party Unlimited,” which will be sure to obtain songs from current day music all the way to your favorite oldies, such as the popular “Chicken Dance” and the “Macarena.”  Participants are allowed to request songs throughout the night.

The JROTC cadets take this event very seriously and do so much in order to create the proper celebration.  Every year, the decorations are incredible and when individuals walk inside, they are not aware of the fact that they are actually inside of J-Town’s small gym.  A parachute is hung on top of the ceiling and looks magical!!!  These students put a lot of time and effort into making a remarkable evening to remember and then Sunday morning, there are also students to help take down the decorations and clean up.  Hopefully, this year will be another unforgettable ball for these cadets and they’ll take the night to enjoy themselves!