BCPS JROTC Cadet of the Year Ceremony honors outstanding student leaders across Broward County in a major annual recognition event

Broward County, Florida – The Broward County school community is preparing for one of its most respected annual traditions as students, families, and district leaders gather for the BCPS JROTC Cadet of the Year Ceremony. The event highlights leadership, discipline, and achievement among students in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs across Broward County Public Schools.

Now in its 31st year, the ceremony has grown into a signature moment for the district’s JROTC community. It recognizes outstanding cadets from 31 programs spread across 29 district high schools, bringing together students who have spent years developing leadership skills, academic discipline, and service values. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Cadet of the Year trophy along with a scholarship awarded to the top-performing cadet.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Nova Southeastern University Rick Case Arena in Davie, Florida. Inside the arena, the atmosphere is expected to be both formal and celebratory, as families, school officials, and military program representatives come together to honor student success.

Among those in attendance will be Broward County School Board members, district leadership, and representatives from military programs who support JROTC initiatives. The ceremony will also include BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn, who will lead a Pass-in-Review, a traditional military practice in which a commanding officer inspects and salutes assembled cadets. The moment is considered one of the most symbolic parts of the event, reflecting discipline, respect, and unity among the student participants.

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BCPS JROTC stands out nationally for its scale and performance. With more than 5,000 participating students, it is recognized as the largest JROTC program in the United States. Even more notable is its reported 99% graduation rate, a statistic that underscores the program’s impact on student achievement and long-term success.

For cadets, the ceremony represents more than awards or recognition. It is the result of years of training, teamwork, and personal growth. Many students arrive at JROTC programs with little experience in leadership, but over time they take on responsibilities that mirror real-world expectations, from managing groups to presenting in formal settings.

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Families attending the event will see not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a reflection of the broader values the program aims to instill—commitment, discipline, and service. As cadets stand in formation and are recognized for their accomplishments, the ceremony serves as a reminder of the dedication required to reach this level.

The Cadet of the Year Ceremony continues to be a cornerstone event for BCPS, blending tradition with education and leadership development. As April 23 approaches, anticipation builds for an evening that will once again highlight the achievements of some of the district’s most dedicated students and the programs that helped shape them.