Today my DD's school had their senior awards assembly. With such a big class they do not mention everyone's awards and scholarships during graduation they just print it in the program. Instead they have an assembly during school to be able to recognize everyone's achievements. So today one of the administrators who is also in the Reserves (I think he said he is a Master Seargant?), called up my daughter and a young man going to USAFA to the stage. He explained what it meant to apply for and win a national ROTC scholarship (for my daughter) and an appointment to USAFA, and that they each were getting financial benefit to pay for school, however, he was very specific to say the bigger accolades went to how each of them were committing to train during their college careers how to be leaders of our military and to serve our country as officers in their respective branches. He commended each of them on their academic achievement, athletic achievements and leadership and gave them each a single rose. It was very classy, I have to admit I was a little teary eyed and proud that she is making this choice and working hard to get there. There were few parents there since it was during the day, however, I thought it was great that the under classmen got to see what is possible and might be interested enough to look into one of those paths for their own futures.
I just wanted to share, because it was a great moment. It was really nice that the school did that on their own to recognize them and took the time to explain what it all meant, since we have been discussing on this thread how most people don't understand it. I asked my daughter if she was surprised, she said she was, but even more surprised how long she had to stand up there while he explained everything! I personally thought that was the best part!