J.R.O.T.C. Cadets danced it up at this year’s military ball. The ball, held at Danbury Matrix on Friday, March 5, was slightly unusual this year, as it was the biggest military ball yet. Lt. Commander Dwinells and Master Sergeant Meehan continue to outdo themselves.

“The ball was a total success,” says Lt. Commander Dwinells. “The cadets performed all of their scripted parts flawlessly, and the ballroom dancing was wonderful to see. The cadets and students of Bethel High School showed their class and social grace and I am proud of all who attended.”

The special guest speaker this year was Sergeant Major Jones. Her friendly and dynamic speech was both compelling and entertaining.

Student performances were outstanding as well. From the reading of the National Anthem, the POW/MIA presentation, as well as the color guard and the Masters of Ceremony, everything went according to plan. This event’s flawlessness was the result of months of preparation.

“Overall I think everything went well. We had a few screw ups, but accidents happen,” says junior Nick Damraksa, one of the MC’s of the ball. “In order to deal with those problems a lot of the times we just had to remain calm and wait,” says Nick. “The problems seemed to work themselves out, and were mostly just miscommunications. The most important part was that the audience didn’t feel like anything went wrong so adding in a joke or two helped things greatly.”

Although a military ball is not the usual high school dance, the waltz and the last hour of the ball was the chance for the guests to relax and enjoy themselves. “I would like to believe that everyone had fun; I know that I had a blast and it was a great time for me. I didn’t really see anyone who was looking like they were having a bad time, so I think everything went well in that department,” says Nick Damraksa.

Every year for the past eight years, Bethel J.R.O.T.C. hosts one of the classiest and largest high school dances in the area, and every time it is outstanding. It should be no surprise then to know that Bethel J.R.O.T.C. plans on continuing this classy tradition.