South Rowan High School Cadet Lt. Col. Katelyn Roberts received the Legion of Valor, Bronze Cross for Achievement in a ceremony at South Rowan High School on Oct. 18. This award is the most distinguished decoration a JROTC Cadet can receive. The Legion of Valor of the United States presents the Bronze Cross for Achievement to senior and junior ROTC cadets who demonstrate a combination of outstanding scholarship, superior leadership in ROTC, the school and the community, and exceptional citizenship and character. Only one out of every 4,000 third-year cadets receive the award Nationwide.
The Legion of Valor is the oldest congressionally chartered veteran’s organization in the United States. It is made up of veterans from all services who have received either the Medal of Honor or their respective service’s highest award for gallantry (Navy Cross, Army Distinguished Service Cross or Air Force Cross). Presenting the award was Legion of Valor member retired Col. John Edward Gray. Special guests included members of Robert’s family and Rowan County School Board Chairman Dr. James Emerson, Rowan-Salisbury Schools Assistant Superintendent for Administration.
Like its sponsoring organization, selection criteria for the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement are very high, and recipients become part of an exclusive fraternity. Roberts will be featured (along with other recipients) in the Legion of Valor journal “General Orders” which will be maintained as a permanent record in the Library of Congress.
Roberts is a senior at South Rowan High School. She is in the top 15 percent of her graduating class and is a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Civitans and American Patriots Club. As a cadet, Roberts has distinguished herself by attaining the highest rank within the Corps of Cadets and has been promoted to the top leadership position of battalion commander. Roberts is the commander of the South Rowan JROTC Drill Team, Honor Guard and Adventure Team. Additionally, she is a top shooter on the JROTC Air Rifle Team.
Roberts is an active member of her church.
Upon graduation she plans to attend The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., where she has already been accepted.