Authored by: 1SG (R) Raymond L. Eason
Photos by: 1SG (R) Raymond L. Eason
Los Angeles Unified School District Army JROTC 37th Annual All-City JROTC Military Ball
On March 9, 2024, the Los Angeles Unified School District resumed its annual JROTC Military Ball at the Hilton Hotel in Long Beach, California. For 37 years, LAUSD’s Annual Military Ball has welcomed different branches of JROTC, including the Army, Navy, and Marines. It is currently coordinated by the Director of Army Instruction, LTC (R) Robert Huntly, who oversees over 3,000 Cadets, consisting of 15 Army, 3 Navy, and 3 Marine JROTC programs within the Los Angeles Unified School District.
More than 540 Cadets and guests were in attendance, along with the distinguished guest speaker, Dr. Frances Baez, the LAUSD Chief Academic Officer for LAUSD. Also in attendance were the VFW Post 1961 and the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of AUSA, who donated a $500.00 scholarship to the All-City Colonel C/COL Yingjun Tan from Lincoln High School. In addition, we honored esteemed guests, including the Los Angeles US Army Recruiting Battalion Commander, LTC Johann Hindert, Armed Service Recruiters, Principals, School Administrators, Veterans, and JROTC Instructors in attendance.
As part of the opening ceremony, members of the All-City Color Guard from Manual Arts High School, the Navy, and Marine JROTC presented and retired the colors. Members of the All-City Staff were also recognized and presented with plaques for their outstanding accomplishments by Dr. Baez, who gave a thought-provoking speech to the guests and Cadets in attendance.1SG (Retired) Charles Mujica and his wife received an extraordinary award and recognition for his exemplary service as the Senior Army Instructor at James Monroe High School.
The Ball exceeded all expectations. After the dinner and before the official dance, the crowd was treated to an incredible performance by two number-one All-City Drill Teams: the James Monroe HS Unarmed Drill Team and the Manual Arts HS Armed Drill Team. The spectacular performances will bring lasting memories to the Cadets in attendance.