The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) awards the ROTC Medal to foster the principle of the "citizen-soldier," exemplified by the Minutemen of Revolutionary War days. This award is presented by an SAR Chapter or State-level Society to ROTC or JROTC cadets who are selected for having a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, and general excellence. The recipients are selected by the Commanding Officer of the ROTC or JROTC unit, who should be given full latitude in making the selection.
1. Sons of the American Revolution JROTC Award
a. General: The SAR gives the award to a meritorious cadet enrolled in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Space Force JROTC programs at each school (or one medal for each 500 Cadets enrolled at time of the award). The award recognizes an outstanding second-year Cadet in a three-year option or a third-year Cadet in a four-year program (cadet must be a junior). This award consists of a bronze medal pendant and ribbon bar.
b. Criteria: Recipient must:
- (1) Exhibit a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, all-around excellence in JROTC activities, and community service.
- (2) Be currently enrolled in JROTC.
- (3) Be in the top 10% of their JROTC class.
- (4) Be in the top 25% of their overall class.
c. Selection: The Senior Military Instructor (SMI) or authorized representative will select the recipient. The award may be presented at the end of a Cadet's second year in a three-year program, or at the end of the Cadet's third year in a four-year program. The Cadet must be a junior. A recipient of the award will not be eligible for a second award.
d. Source: A representative of SAR will present the award. The state or local SAR organization will correspond directly with each JROTC unit in the area. The SMI may inquire about the award to the local or state SAR organizations.
e. The United States Navy Sea Cadet Corps receives the SAR Sea Cadet Medals, also known as the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal with Ribbon Bar.
2. Enhanced JROTC Award Contest (Outstanding Cadet Award)
a. The Florida Society recognizes outstanding JROTC cadets who compete for the Enhanced JROTC Award at the Chapter, State, and National level. This honor is presented to a cadet who demonstrates leadership potential, scholastic achievement, community service and general excellence. Only one Recipient is selected by the JROTC unit's Commanding Officer to compete at the SAR chapter level.
b. Only cadets in the 11th Grade from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Space Force JROTC programs can compete to receive the Enhanced JROTC Award.
c. Who can participate?
- Cadets actively enrolled in High School JROTC programs.
- Typically, a third-year cadet in a four-year program or a second-year cadet in a three-year program (a junior).
- One nominee for units with fewer than 500 cadets, or one cadet for every 500 students in larger units, per year.
d. What are the requirements?
All participants must meet the following entry requirements:
Academic/JROTC Standings
- The cadet must rank in the top 10% of their JROTC class.
- The cadet must also be in the top 25% of their overall high school class, or demonstrate a GPA of 3.5 or higher in a 4.0 GPA system, or the equivalent in a different system.
Essay Requirement
- The cadet must write an original essay consisting of 500–700 words on "How JROTC has prepared me to be a better citizen of the United States of America."
- The directions for the essay appear in the instructions for the contest.
- The essay must be double-spaced and include a computer generated word count at the end.
Nomination & Documentation
- Provide a signed letter of endorsement from their principal with a verification statement concerning cadets GPA and Class Standing.
- Provide a signed letter of endorsement from their Senior Military Instructor (SMI) to include leadership potential and JROTC class standing.
- Completed SAR Enhanced JROTC Program Nomination Form must be signed, dated, and submitted along with a release form.
- Include a digital photograph to be used for publicity by the Sons of the American Revolution.
Additional Requirements
- All entries must feature original content.
- Plagiarized or AI-generated works are not permitted.
e. How do I enter?
All entries must be submitted to the SAR local chapter for judging.
Please note that local application deadlines may vary, so interested students should coordinate with their SMI who will contact their local chapter for specific submission dates and details.
Complete contest rules, guidelines, and the application form are available at the contest's website.
f. What Can I Win?
Top entries earn cash prizes at the local, state, and national levels! Each local chapter sets its own prize amounts, and chapter winners advance to the state competition.
Chapter-Level Prizes:
- 1st Place: Cash award and the Chapter JROTC Outstanding Cadet Medallion
State-Level Prizes:
- 1st Place: $1,000 cash and the State Outstanding JROTC Medallion with certificate
- 2nd Place: $500 cash and certificate
- 3rd Place: $250 cash and certificate
The state winner will advance to the national competition, where prize amounts are determined and awarded by the National Society. The winning cadet at the national society level will receive their award at our annual congress of the society.