PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Pittsburg State ROTC program held its annual awards banquet Sunday evening to recognize outstanding cadets in the program. Among the awards presented were two medals from the local Little Balkans Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Oceanus Hopkins chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The ROTC awards banquet traditionally kicks off the commencement season at Pittsburg State.

The Oceanus Hopkins Chapter presented Cadet Morgan Novacek the DAR ROTC Gold Medal for her leadership and dedication. To be eligible for the medal, a cadet must be in the upper 25% of their classes (both in ROTC and academic subjects), demonstrate loyalty and patriotism, and show outstanding leadership/character. Novacek is a nursing major at Pittsburg State.

The Little Balkans chapter presented Cadet Nicholas Griffin, sophomore, with the SAR Silver ROTC Medal. The medal endeavors to foster the principle of “citizen-soldier” exemplified by the Minutemen and recipients should be selected by the commanding officer of the ROTC unit based on their military bearing, leadership potential, attitude, scholastic achievements, and general excellence. Commanding officers should be given full latitude in selecting an outstanding ROTC cadet and is awarded for “Leadership, Soldierly Bearing and Excellence.”

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