On May 1st, 2008, the Fredericktown Blackcat Battalion held their annual Awards Dinner, in the Fredericktown High School Gym. The opening ceremony included an opening statement by Major Mike Stearley, and Cadet Command Sergeant Major Chelsi Kemp presented the cadet creed. After the dinner the guest speaker, First Sergeant D. Christopher Warren of McCormick Camp 215-SUVCW, gave an amazing speech to the cadets. This year's meal was outstanding and the JROTC program would like to (acknowledge) the Missouri Army National Guard for the main dishes and the parents for the amazing covered dishes.

The first award given was the Good Conduct Ribbon, awarded annually to cadets who demonstrate outstanding conduct throughout the year. The recipients were: Craig Cox, Madeisun Young, Danee Bowling, Elizabeth Grindstaff, Alexandria Murphy, Chelsi Kemp,  Brian Lasley,  Christopher Stearley, Greg Patterson, Meaghen Trent, Jennifer Lee, Alyssa Anderson, Devin Pense, Anthony Lindell, Sara Pritchett, Cyndi Martin, Seth Marrow, Stephene Trent , Bradley White, Allison Davis, Eddie Smith, Tony Shoemaker, Elisabeth Koewing.     

The Commendation Ribbon was next and is awarded to cadet for a performance of duty that exceeds what is expected of a cadet of his/her grade and experience. The recipients were: Shannon Harwood, Danee Bowling, Stephene Trent, Tiffany Cave, Seth Dane, Dillan Filley, Edward Smith, Bradley White, Jennifer Lee, Allison Davis, Nathan Farris, Elizabeth Koewing, Chris England, Madeison Young, Jesse West, Ryan Steele, Edward Smith, Amber Jablonowski, Samantha Hert, Joshua Sudmeyer.

The Proficiency Ribbon, was presented to cadets who have demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of leadership, academic achievement, and performance of duty, it was presented to:  Elizabeth Grindstaff, Gregory Patterson, Craig Cox, Brian Lasley, Sarah Pritchett, Amber Jablonowski, Devin Pense, Alexandrea Murphy, Anthony Shoemaker, Coty Terry, Christopher Stearley, Anthony Lindell, Meaghen Trent, Alyssa Anderson, Chelsi Kemp, Jamie Lee, Alex Murphy, Seth Marrow, Cyndi Martin, Daniel Murphy.

The Excellent Staff Performance Ribbon is presented to cadets who have taken responsibility for the battalion's heavy load of administrative work. Major Stearley presented this award to Brian Lasley, Gregory Patterson, Craig Cox, Devin Pense, Sarah Pritchett, Tony Shoemaker, Samantha Hert, Jamie Lee, Meaghen Trent, Daniel Murphy, Alex Murphy, and Cyndi Martin.

The Personal Appearance Ribbon is awarded to cadets who have consistently presented an outstanding appearance throughout the year. The cadets who received this award are: Jennifer Lee, Alyssa Anderson      Danee Bowling, Samantha Hert, Seth Marrow, Madeisun Young, Chelsi Kemp, Seth Dane, Cyndi Martin, Craig Cox, Meaghen Trent, Elizabeth Koewing, Greg Patterson, Liz Grindstaff, Sarah Pritchett, Stephene Trent, Allison Davis, Alexandria Murphy, Bradley White, Eddie Smith, Devin Pense, Brian Lasley, Christopher Stearley, Tony Shoemaker.      

The Distinguished Cadet Award is for Scholastic Excellence it is awarded to one cadet who exhibits the highest degree of excellence in scholastics. Mr. Ruetzel presented this award on behalf of the Superintendent, Dr. Burlison, to. Brian Lasley.

The Academic Excellence Award is presented to one cadet at each level for attaining the highest academic grades. LET 1: Brian Lasley, LET 2: Craig Cox , LET 3: Anthony Lindell , and LET 4: Meaghen Trent

Major Stearley presented the American Legion JROTC medals for both Scholastic Excellence and General Military Excellence. The Scholastic Excellence recipient was Meaghen Trent and the General Military Excellence recipient was Elizabeth Grindstaff.

The Senior Army Instructor Leadership Award is presented to one cadet from each LET level. To receive this award, a cadet must display a high degree of leadership. The recipients were: LET 1: Nathan Farris, LET 2: Greg Patterson, Let 3: Coty Terry, Let 4: Cyndi Martin.  

The Army Recruiting Command JROTC Medal is awarded annually to one cadet who has made outstanding contributions to the program. 1SG Cofer presented this award to Anthony Lindell.

The National Fitness Award is given to cadets that achieved a score in the fiftieth percentile in all events of the Presidents Physical Fitness Test. Alex Murphy, Craig Cox, Jesse West, Greg Patterson, Anthony Lindell, and Dillon Filley.

The Bold Leader Cadet Challenge Medals went to the top male and female cadets in the President's Physical Fitness Test. They were Male: Anthony Lindell, Dillon Filley, Greg Patterson; Female: Alex Murphy and Chelsi Kemp.

Major Stearley presented the JROTC Letters.  The cadets to receive the letter have been the most active supporters of the program, school, and community. The recipients were Liz Grindstaff, Stephene Trent, Chris Stearley, Meaghen Trent, Cyndi Martin and Brian Lasley.

Major Stearley, Presented the Sons of the American Revolution JROTC Medal.  This medal is in recognition of outstanding leadership, military bearing and excellence. Seth Marrow received this award.

Leroy D. Unruh presented the National Sojourners JROTC Medal. This is presented for recognition of the highest attributes of Americanism and support of the United States. Devin Pense received this award.  

First Sergeant Cofer presented the Non Commissioned Officers Association JROTC Medal.  This is in special recognition of outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership ability Chelsi Kemp received this award.

Major Stearley presented the Daughters of American Revolution JROTC Medal. This medal is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated dependability, good character, military discipline and leadership. Cyndi Martin received this award.     

The next award is the Military Officers Association of America Medal and this is presented to the cadet who increased academic standing and has a desire to serve ones country. Receiving this medal was Sara Pritchett.

The next award, presented by the American Veterans is the AMVETS JROTC Recognition Award.  This medal is awarded to a cadet for diligence in the discharge of duties and willingness to serve both God and country for the mutual benefit of all.  The medal was awarded to Tony Shoemaker.

The next medal is the Superior Cadet award this is being presented by Major Stearley and 1SG Cofer to one outstanding cadet at each LET level: Let 1: Brian Lasley, Let 2: Craig Cox, Let 3: Coty Terry and

Let 4: Meaghen Trent.

Bill Hart presented Fredericktown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post JROTC Medal.  The VFW medal is awarded to a cadet whose service has been instrumental in developing patriotism. Meaghan Trent received this award. The VFW also presented a 500-dollar scholarship in the name of Howard Gregory to Meaghen Trent

Christopher Warren of the Sons Of Union Civil War Veterans presented the SUCWV JROTC Medal to Cadet LTC Christopher Stearley.

Cadet Gregory Patterson was promoted to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, in view of his demonstrated valor, fidelity, and potential for increases responsibility and will be next year battalion commander. Cadet Elizabeth Grindstaff was promoted to Cadet Command Sergeant Major. Finally, was the passing of the battalion colors from Cyndi Martin to the new commander Gregory Patterson. The unit flag or colors represent the cadets and throughout military history commanders have passed the colors one to the next, representing command of and responsibility for the unit. This has been an outstanding year for the JROTC program and next year will be even better.