Wareham JROTC student awarded Legion of Valor Bronze Cross
Ava Knight receives the award from Matt Stanton. Photos by Brandy Muz
Ava's mother Jenna snaps photos of the ceremony.
Ava poses with her award.
Speaking on her time with the JROTC Ava talks to her peers.
Small steps by Ava's little sister following the ceremony.
Christopher Knight hugs his daughter.
Christopher Knight, Ava Knight, Jenna Shoren and Mary Jane.
Ava Knight receives the award from Matt Stanton. Photos by Brandy Muz
Ava's mother Jenna snaps photos of the ceremony.
Ava poses with her award.
Speaking on her time with the JROTC Ava talks to her peers.
Small steps by Ava's little sister following the ceremony.
Christopher Knight hugs his daughter.
Christopher Knight, Ava Knight, Jenna Shoren and Mary Jane.
As her fellow JROTC classmates sat waiting for her speech, senior at Wareham High School Ava Knight, stood with years of work behind her.
Ava has been a JROTC student for the last four years and was presented the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross in front of family and peers Thursday, Nov. 20.
The award is given to JROTC cadets who demonstrate outstanding performance, dependability, exceptional character, adherence to military discipline and leadership ability. Ava was one of 75 JROTC cadets selected this year from over 3,390 JROTC programs from around the world.
Matthew Stanton, Senior Army Instructor for the program presented Ava with the award and emphasized the work she has done within the JROTC since she joined.
"She's really coming into her own," Stanton said. "She took command this year and you should see her on the drill floor— she takes charge."
Ava plans to join the army after graduation and said that the medal represents everything she did within the class. From early mornings to late afternoons doing activities within the JROTC, Ava thanked her instructors and teammates.
"Recieving this award feels surreal but it also fills me with pride and motivation. It reminds me that the effort I put in matters and that I'm capable of more than what I realize," Ava said.
Joining the JROTC has always been in her plans she said. Her maternal grandmother was in the military and inspired her to be involved in the class and continue into the Army.
Ava will go into basic training in Georgia for 18 weeks and will be spending the following four years stationed in Germany.
"It's going to help me grow a lot, just like this program has helped me," she said.
Christopher Knight, her father, said he was proud of his daughter and commended her skills that started when she was young during hunting season. Her mother, Jenna Shoren said it was overwhelming to see her daughter being awarded.
"She's the most incredible woman I've ever known in my life. One day I hope to be just as strong and brave as Ava," Shoren said.
