AFJROTC Program

THS Graduate Accepted to Air Force Academy

Torrington High School’s Air Force JROTC Program is pleased to announce former cadet Taylor M. Howe (Class of 2015) was accepted into the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
Cadet Howe is one of the elite 15% of the cadets who were accepted to enter the academy for the upcoming school-year.  She will join the academy’s 4,000 cadet-led student body in the fall. 
Cadet Howe, and her parents Colleen and Steven Howe of Torrington, are excited about the challenges Taylor is about to embark upon.Admission to the academy is based on academic, physical, and leadership qualifications. 
The current Commandant of Cadets, Brigadier General Susan Y. Desjardins, shares the academy’s Mission Statement which states, in part: “Our nation requires intelligent, assertive, well-rounded young men and women as leaders and defenders of freedom. The mission at the United States Air Force Academy is to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline.” 

Howe

Taylor M. Howe

 


The THS Air Force JROTC, led by Lt. Col. Brian Studley, led a moving tribute today in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. 
The program was attended by THS students and by community members.
After a brief welcome, Senior Cadet Michael O’Brien led the Presentation of Colors by the Color Guard. The flag was raised and lowered to half-mast while the Chamber Choir performed the national anthem. 
Cadet Wing Commander Keanu Mendiola spoke briefly on the importance of remembering this day.

Cadet Corps

The Cadet Corps, led by Wing Commander Keanu Mendiola.

Studley

Lt. Col. Brian Studley delivers remarks of remembrance.

Salute

The corps salutes the flag while the Chamber Choir plays the national anthem.

Bagpipers

Military bagpipers from Bristol were present and played Amazing Grace, which was followed by remarks from Lt. Col Studley, who spoke of the great loss of life 14 years prior. 
Senior Steven Hintz finished up with a poignant rendition of taps. A solemn and respectful audience remained silent as the program concluded.
Roy Malvezzi, a Bristol resident and the grandfather to one of the bagpipers, was pleased he came to experience the tribute.  “It was very emotional,” he commented after. 
For Sophomore Cadet Zach Huften, this was his second year participating in the tribute, which he feels is important to “honor [all those] who died.” 
Huften was pleased with the conduct of his fellow cadets, saying that the ceremony “went smoothly” and was “one of the best” presentations the corps has put on.

Story and photos courtesy of Ms. Erin Sullivan

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