05/08/2026
2026 Sand Lizard BN Change of Command / Award Ceremony
May 1st was more than an awards ceremony. It was a reminder of what hard work, discipline, leadership, and commitment look like in young people when they are given purpose and held to high standards.
The 2026 Sand Lizard Battalion Award Ceremony was a day of tradition, pride, and recognition as we honored cadets for their achievements in academics, leadership, physical fitness, community service, military bearing, and dedication to this battalion. From national organization awards to battalion-level recognition, every award represented effort earned, not given.
We recognized outstanding cadets for excellence on the Cadet Challenge, ASVAB achievement, leadership awards, Sand Lizard Achievement Ribbon, military excellence, and our annual Pickleball Champion. We also presented prestigious awards from organizations including the VFW, MOAA, DAR, AMSVET, MOPH, Daedalians, and the Military Order of the World Wars. These honors reflect countless hours of effort, sacrifice, and commitment from our cadets both inside and outside the classroom.
One of the highlights of the event was the promotion of Cadet Bridgette Pack to the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. Promotions in JROTC are not automatic. They are earned through performance, leadership, discipline, and the ability to lead others when it matters most.
May 1st also marked an important leadership transition within the battalion during our Change of Command Ceremony. During this long-standing military tradition, we said farewell and thank you to our outgoing Battalion Commander, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Kate Young, for her leadership, dedication, and service to the Sand Lizard Battalion. At the same time, we officially welcomed Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Bridgette Pack as the incoming Battalion Commander, who accepted responsibility for leading this battalion into the next chapter.
The passing of the battalion colors symbolizes more than a title change. It represents the transfer of trust, responsibility, accountability, and leadership from one commander to the next. It is a reminder that leadership is not about position alone; it is about service, sacrifice, and setting the example every single day.
We also took time to recognize our Battalion Staff for the countless hours they invest behind the scenes to keep this battalion operating at a high level every single day. Leadership positions come with pressure, responsibility, long hours, and expectations that many never see. These cadets continue to step up, lead from the front, and carry the standard for the Sand Lizard Battalion.
As instructors, we're proud of moments like this not because of medals or ribbons, but because of the growth we’ve watched unfold over time. We’ve seen cadets step outside their comfort zones, overcome adversity, learn accountability, and become leaders within this school and community.
Thank you to the parents, families, school staff, community members, veterans’ organizations, and supporters who continue to invest in these young people and believe in what this program stands for.
The future is bright for the Sand Lizard Battalion.
Duty. Honor. Country.
Go Sand Lizards.
