It has come to the attention that there have been some changes made to Annual JROTC Joint Ball (Military Ball) for Washoe County School District. This Annual Ball has been tradition in our county for 50 years. Eleven high schools come together and attend this social event. Every year cadets and instructors in JROTC look forward to attending as it is a great way to meet new people, fellow cadets, and build bonds between schools.

We, collectively, want the Annual JROTC Joint Ball to continue to be hosted with all eleven schools, at the Reno Event Center. If money or safety is a concern to the Silver State Brigade, then adjustments can be made. There have always been instructors at the Ball to keep watch over students. They make sure everything runs smoothly. Inappropriate behaviors aren’t tolerated and issues that arise are quickly resolved. With each school paying one thousand dollars each, a collective eleven thousand is made. In past years this has been enough for the Brigade to host the Ball. The venue can always be changed in order to accommodate the budget, but we want the Annual Ball to include all eleven schools, nevertheless.

For 50 years the Annual Ball has continued with little to no safety concerns. For the past few years, the ball has been held at the Reno Event Center. It used to be held at the Elks Lodge but because so many students attend from all schools, a bigger place was required. While attendance isn’t mandatory, many cadets attend because of how much this ball is greatly enjoyed. Personally, I have attended the ball every year for four years. I formed many great friendships and bonds with other cadets. I’d prefer Annual Ball over my school’s prom, and I know many of my peers feel the same way. The ball allows schools to engage with each other in a noncompetitive setting. It brings us, Washoe County Schools, closer together to have that communication and overall respect for one another. 

The new changes to this ball states that each school will be required to host their own ball but still have to pay the one-thousand-dollar fee that was required of all schools in order for the Silver State Brigade to pay for the venue of the Annual Ball. This decision to change the ball was made by the Brigade and was effective immediately and gave the students no jurisdiction. The JROTC program is in place for the betterment of the students and to “motivate young people to become better citizens”. The Annual Ball allows cadets to create better relations with cadets from other schools. This can help with collaboration and communication because cadets put their differences aside to have fun. With the new changes, cadets will be with students of their own school, which won’t provide the same skills. 

The Annual Ball is a huge part in many cadet’s JROTC experience, and we would like to continue this tradition for this year and years to come. Signing this petition can give the students a voice to make a difference in the decision to changes made to the Annual Ball.