Kadena cadets have a ball

  • Published
  • By Khalil Belden
  • Kadena High School senior
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Months of planning and preparation paid off as Kadena High School's JA-932 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps hosted its annual military ball at the Kadena Officer's Club May 12.

From start to finish, the high school students were in charge of every step of the process, from the three months of planning to the fundraisers held to buy decorations for the ball's Hollywood theme.

"This event is somewhat of a prom for first and second year cadets, because they are not old enough to go to the school prom," explained retired Air Force Maj. Constance Hoksch, the Senior Aerospace Science instructor. "It's special for them."

Hoksch, who's been at KHS since late 2010 and has attended two balls here, said it's always nice to see the fruits of the students' hard labor.

"Seeing the cadets plan this event and then watching it become a success is what I enjoy most," said Hoksch, who has attended five military balls throughout his career.

This year's ball also featured special guest Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy who shared his own experiences in the U.S. Air Force with the cadets.

Despite his busy schedule, Molloy believes it is essential to support the JROTC programs and attend events such as the ball.

"I'm here to honor and support you, as well as to pass on a message," Molloy explained to the cadets. "I made the choice 27 years ago to become an officer because I was so impressed with the ROTC cadets that I saw in uniform. I saw their exceptional devotion, and I knew I wanted to do that."

The general also helped crown the members of the royal court. Like a prom court, the ball's annual royal court members were selected by their peers.

This year's royalty included King Brandon Powers and Queen Caroline Robles-Graham, Prince Chedrick Gonzales and Princess Eiko Bedford, Duke Justin Duenas and Duchess Courtney Tomas, and Lord Tassi Duenas and Lady Yoseiby Mejia.