Emma Sylvia, a senior and JROTC cadet at Wareham High School became the only student in Massachusetts this year to receive the Legion of Valor Award with Bronze Cross.

Sylvia, the Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and Cadet Battalion Commander of the JROTC program, received the award Friday, Nov. 15 in font of the Wareham High School JROTC program and her family in recognition of all she has accomplished as a cadet.

Matthew Stanton, Senior Army Instructor for the program explained the prestigious award is given to JROTC cadets who demonstrate outstanding performance, dependability, exceptional character, adherence to military discipline and leadership ability. He added that less than one percent of JROTC Cadets in the country receive it and Sylvia had to be nominated by the school system to be considered for it.

"You have to be a well rounded cadet and work very hard in extra curricular activities and academics," said Stanton. "You have to be involved with many of the teams the JROTC offers and you have to live a life of integrity and responsibility."

Stanton added that as battalion commander, Sylvia serves as a role model for younger cadets and is responsible for the overall performance of the unit. He added she "epitomizes" what it means to win this award.

"She's there everyday and she's involved with every activity that we present," said Stanton. "She's an eager participant and she has a positive attitude."

Stanton said Sylvia was one of 60 JROTC Cadets selected to win this award from the 3,390 JROTC programs around the world.

Sylvia has routinely been in the top 10% of her peers. She said she plans on going to college to become a kindergarten teacher, a goal her JROTC experience will help her accomplish.

"It shows me different ways to handle different situations and the right and wrong way to do things," said Sylvia.

Emma Sylvia's parents, Robert and Katie Sylvia said they are very proud of their daughter for all she has accomplished.

"It's just unrecognizable how strong and determined she is when she puts her mind to something. I couldn't be more proud of her," said Robert Sylvia.

Emma Sylvia's brother Robert Sylvia Jr. won the award last year and said he is glad to see his sister's hard work recognized.

"I'm definitely proud of her because she can do a lot but she doesn't act like she can and she is super smart," said Robert Sylvia Jr.