In recognition of MCJROTC cadets skills and accomplishments in the program, the SHS MCJROTC held their annual awards ceremony in the SHS gym alongside a retirement farewell surprise for First Sergeant Romero on May 9th, 2026. Although not officially described as a Senior Night for MCJROTC cadets, the senior cadets in the program were also collectively recognized and experienced an equivalent of a Senior Night done in sports.
Presenting officials from organizations including the American Legion and others, along with 1stSgt Romero and cadet leadership, gave out the awards to cadet recipients.
The gymnasium doors were opened to the public at 4:00 PM. The MCJROTC Color Guard, including graduating Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Luna, presented the colors—American National Flag (National Color) and the Marine Corps Organizational Flag (Organizational color). 1stSgt Romero introduced the eight presenting officials that attended the ceremony who were sitting in front of the gymnasium bleachers. Additionally, 1stSgt Romero announced his retirement after the introductions.
Before the awards were presented, a total of ten senior cadets lined up in front of the bleachers to introduce themselves and their path after high school. Afterwards, parents of these cadets came up to place a cord around their child’s neck and a graduation sash if their child spent all four years of high school in the program. The senior cadets were also given posters made by younger cadets to recognize their departure.
Numerous awards to award to numerous cadets. Most notably, Cadet Company Captain Hayes won the prestigious “Most Outstanding Cadet” award where she was nominated by both 1stSgt Romero and Master Sergeant Cruz.
After the rewards were announced, MSgt t Cruz announced a surprise for 1stSgt Romero where the First Sergeant was given a cake and a poster made by cadets from the program. 1stSgt Romero was also given a special frame that included the MCJROTC flag and proceeded to describe how he ended up being a Selma High MCJROTC instructor.
1stSgt Romero described how he wasn’t originally aware of what JROTC was but after consistent persistence from the original marines that established the MCJROTC program in Selma High, such as Major Gred Hand, he came to Selma to instruct at the program. It was in his time in Selma where he came to enjoy the people of Selma. 1stSgt Romero hinted that, “Next year I’ll come back,” as one of the presenting officials instead.
After 1stSgt Romero’s dialogue, the MCJROTC Color Guard retired the colors and thus concluded the award ceremony. Parents and guests came down from the bleachers to take photos with the cadets and their awards. Then MSgt Cruz reminded the crowd that there would be a special event for the first sergeant in the dining hall.
In the dining hall, cadets were presented food to choose from. After the majority of cadets and guests sat down, Cadet First Lieutenant Estrada announced the start of the surprise retirement gift-giving by cadets to 1stSgt Romero. Gifts included a signed poster that had all of the signatures of the cadets in the program and a real-life sized inanimate bull dog. Once the last gift was given, cadets were ordered by MSgt Cruz to clean up the dining hall and gymnasium—concluding the last annual award ceremony that MCJROTC cadets will have with 1stSgt Romero as their instructor.
