2023 Military Ball – Saturday, March 11th

February 21, 2023 / Events

Overview of the 2023 Military Ball 

General.  The Annual Patriot NJROTC Military Ball will be held in the Clarion Inn Event Center at 5400 Holiday Drive, Frederick, MD  21703 from 1800 to 2200 on Saturday, March 11th. This event offers our cadets and their guests the experience of a formal military dinner (with ceremonies and toasts) and the fun of a high school dance.  It is important that our cadets and their guests arrive between 1730-1800 in order for them to deposit their coats before finding their seats.  Expect rush hour traffic going to the ball!  You have often been told that everything we do in the NJROTC is a learning experience – and that’s not all classes are in the classroom.  This is true for the Military Ball.  It is more formal than a prom, and includes ceremonies that are based on military tradition. We anticipate approximately 100 cadets and guests. 

Uniforms.  If you are a male cadet, stay in uniform throughout the evening.  Check your uniform carefully and ensure that it is fresh out of the cleaners and “inspection ready.”  Take extra clasps with you; if you don’t need them, someone else will.  Remember, all eyes will be on us and we will be judged by our appearance and behavior.  Those wearing Service Dress Blue may remove the uniform jacket only during the dance portion of the evening, and must put the jacket back on before leaving the ballroom. Rolling of sleeves and unbuttoning of shirts will not be permitted. Also, all ties must remain on.  Pay special attention to your shoes and haircut.  Covers will not be worn.  

Civilian Attire. The Military Ball is a formal dinner-dance, and those of you who are bringing dates or other friends should remind them of the appropriate dress.  At the very minimum, men should wear a dark suit, dress shirt and tie.  Women and female cadets should be dressed for a formal or prom, which means floor-length dresses.  It is not pleasant to deny entrance to someone who has come to have a good time but is inappropriately dressed.  More detail on uniforms and appropriate civilian attire is included separately in this information packet.  

Transportation.  Transportation will not be provided and is the responsibility of cadets and their families.  Some of you will be transported to the ball by your parents or other adults.  Many of you will travel in cars driven by cadets.  Please drive with caution!  At the end of the evening, double-check your ride home.  It’s a long walk!    

Etiquette.  During the first part of the evening, there are certain courtesies to observe: 

• Check your coat/jacket and then check-in at the reception table. 
• Say good evening to our honored guests.  Talk with them and make them feel welcome.  Remember your “sir’s” and “ma’am’s”. 
• If you have a date, ensure that he/she is introduced to your fellow cadets to help them feel welcome. 
• Use this opportunity to mingle with and get to know cadets from our unit. 

Guests.  Each cadet is permitted two (2) guests and parents are also welcome. Guests may be students of GTJHS or of other FCPS high schools.  

Costs.  The cost is $35.00 each for cadets and guests. Payment will be accepted until Friday, March 11th, and can be submitted at the door if necessary.  

Dancing.  Energetic but decent… this is not the place to press the envelope of good behavior on the dance floor.  Your instructors do not want to embarrass you by asking you to take a seat; proper decorum will be observed throughout the evening.  Remember where you are and what you represent.   

 

Patriot NJROTC 2023 Military Ball Schedule of Events  

1730-1800 Cadets and Guests Arrive 

1805 Welcome Remarks 

1810 Presentation of Colors 

1815 Cake Cutting Ceremony 

1820 Dinner 

1850 Toasts 

1855 Introduction of Guest Speaker 

1900 Guest Speaker Remarks 

1915 Dancing 

2200 Conclusion