Congratulations 2024 AUSN Patriotism Award Honorees

AUSN recognizes students involved in NJROTC programs during high school and college-level NROTC programs from across the United States with its Patriotism Awards. Students who demonstrate honor, courage and commitment are nominated by their unit instructors and receive a certificate, letter of congratulations and medal authorized by the Navy that can be worn on their uniforms.

Between March and May 2024, 50 cadets from 21 states, representing the finest talent from Navy and Marine Corps programs, received AUSN’s special recognition.

Cadet/LCDR Desarae Olivas-Howe, a senior at Moon Valley High School and recipient of the AUSN Patriotism Award and AUSN Phoenix Saguaro Chapter's Certificate of Commendation, receives congratulations from CAPT Carol Culbertson, USN, Retired, President of the AUSN Phoenix Saguaro Chapter. Cadet/LCDR Olivas-Howe is going to college to become a chemical engineer.

Cadet Sergeant Alexander McNiven receives the AUSN Patriotism Award and medal from Marine Instructor Sergeant Major R. Scott Cauley (USMC, Retired) as part of the 2024 Awards Night Special Recognition for the MCJROTC at J. R. Tucker High School in Henrico, Virginia.

Midshipman Kursten Massey received the AUSN Patriotism Award on March 22, 2024. The award was presented by Commanding Officer of NROTC Maine Maritime Academy, CAPT Gary Chase.

Cadet/Petty Officer Peyton Di Primio of Greenway High School NJROTC receives the AUSN Patriotism Award from CAPT Carol Culbertson, USN, Retired, President of the AUSN Phoenix Saguaro Chapter.

Cadet Maria Mtajiri receives the AUSN Patriotism Award and medal from a representative from the AUSN Phoenix Saguaro Chapter. Mtajiri attends Apollo High School NJROTC in Glendale, AZ.

Cadet Sky Ward of Thunderbird High School’s NJROTC Unit receives the AUSN Patriotism Award and medal from CAPT Carol Culbertson, USN, Retired, President of the AUSN Phoenix Saguaro Chapter.

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(L-R) MSgt Jason Yankowy (USMC, Ret.), C/SSgt Guillermo Moreno, and MGySgt Sergeant Moniz representing Carson High School MCJROTC.

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MIDN 2/C Serenity T. Williams receives the Patriotism Award from Florida A&M Naval ROTC Unit Executive Officer CDR Ricardo Escalante, USN.

NJROTC High School Recipients Honored in 2024

ARIZONA

Cadet/Petty Officer Peyton Di Primio

Greenway High School | Phoenix, AZ

Cadet Maria Mtajiri

Apollo High School | Glendale, AZ

C/LCDR Desarae Olivas-Howe

Moon Valley High School | Phoenix, AZ

C/ENS Diana Sosa

Glendale High School | Glendale, AZ

Cadet Sky Ward

Thunderbird High School | Phoenix, AZ

CALIFORNIA

C/LCpl Javier L. Campos

Fontana High School | Fontana, CA

Cadet CPFC Cecilia Diaz

John C. Fremont High School | Torrance, CA

Cadet Staff Sergeant Guillermo Moreno

Carson High School MCJROTC | Carson, CA

C/Master Sgt Landon Silsby

Redondo Union High School MCJROTC | Redondo Beach, CA

FLORIDA

Adjutant/Cadet First Lieutenant Taylor D. Carlson (Originally awarded April 2023)

Palm Bay Magnet High School | Melbourne, FL

Cadet/First Sergeant Gabriel O. Denton

Palm Bay Magnet High School | Melbourne, FL

GEORGIA

Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Aniyah Johnson

H.V. Jenkins High School | Savannah, GA

KENTUCKY

Cadet Ensign Matthew Minton

Madisonville North Hopkins High School NJROTC | Madisonville, KY

MARYLAND

Petty Officer 3rd Class Logan E. Gonzalez

La Plata High School NJROTC | La Plata, MD

Seaman Apprentice Amiyah H. Green

La Plata High School NJROTC | La Plata, MD

MASSACHUSETTS

Cadet/Staff Sergeant Vincent George

Assabet Valley Regional Technical/Vocational School | Marlborough, MA

OKLAHOMA

C/Captain Elliott L. Towery

Bixby High School MCJROTC | Bixby, OK

SOUTH CAROLINA

C/PO3 T'Mauri Cannon

White Knoll High School NJROTC | Lexington, SC

TENNESSEE

Cadet Sgt Kaitlun F. Carter-Gearlds

Tullahoma High School | Tullahoma, TN

Cadet / SSgt Ethan Simmons

Tullahoma High School | Tullahoma, TN

Seaman Recruit Louis Thompson

Central High School Navy JROTC | Knoxville, TN

TEXAS

Cadet Lance Corporal Avril Bruyere

Royal High School JROTC | Pattison, TX