IN Norwin Summer 2019 | Page 37

Air Force Junior ROTC Program Receives 2018-2019 Distinguished Unit Award NORWIN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT WINS State-Level Competition at National History Day C Norwin High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC cadets pictured during a tour of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. N orwin High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC program was one of 376 units to receive the 2018-2019 Air Force JROTC Distinguished Unit Award, the second-highest recognition awarded by Air Force JROTC Headquarters. The award recognizes Air Force JROTC units that have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force JROTC citizen development mission for America. The Norwin JROTC program began in August 2014 and has 110 cadets (students) enrolled in program this year. One of the major components of the program is citizenship/community service, and Norwin students have excelled in this aspect. The Norwin cadets have completed more than 100 community service events, which have provided more than 3,400 hours of community service. Each cadet has averaged 28 hours of service, which is well above the required 12 hours. “It was great to see the Corps recognized for their effort. Many of my fellow cadets worked hard this year to exceed our goals,” said c/Lt Col Luke Bertani, an eleventh-grade student at Norwin High School. In addition, the Norwin JROTC unit has competed in six drill competitions this school year. “I believe the hard work of the cadets showcases the reasons the District brought this program to Norwin,” said Lieutenant Colonel David Sandala, who is Senior Aerospace Science Instructor with the program. “The cadets take great pride in being members of the JROTC program, and we are very proud of their success.” The Air Force JROTC program educates and trains high school cadets in citizenship and life skills; promotes community service; instills responsibility, character, and self-discipline through character education, and provides instruction in air and space fundamentals. Enrollment is open to high school students who are in the 9th to 12th grades. ole Kubistek, a Norwin Middle School seventh-grade student in the Gifted Program, placed first in Pennsylvania at the State round of the National History Day Contest the weekend of May 11-12. His entry, entitled “The Greatest Flood Ever,” consisted of a Web site detailing the events of the famous flood in Pittsburgh and how it changed the city. Cole has advanced to the National Contest, which will be held June 9-13, 2019 at the University of Maryland, College Park. His teacher, Dr. Constance DeMore Savine, said that in her opinion, the National History Day Contest is among the nation’s most rigorous. “Cole’s accomplishment is huge, and I am so proud of how hard he worked to design the website,” said Dr. DeMore Savine. “He researches like a professional in the field.” Cole said he likes the challenge of competing in National History Day. “Going up against so many great projects gives me the incentive to push myself,” Cole said. “Plus, I like to study history.” Dr. Constance DeMore Savine, Coordinator of Secondary Gifted Education, Gr. 7-9, and Cole Kubistek NORWIN ❘ SUMMER 2019 35