April 16, 2021 — General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Senior High School Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Diana Cantu earned the Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (TXSSAR) Enhanced Junior ROTC Scholarship Award. TXSSAR President Drake Peddie and JROTC Committee Chairman Mr. John Thompson made the announcement via zoom at the annual TXSSAR meeting.
The organization’s intent is to foster the principle of the “citizen-soldier” as exemplified by the Minutemen of Revolutionary War days. This award is presented to JROTC cadets selected for having a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, and general excellence.
To reach the state level, Cadet Cantu was required to complete an application documenting her class rank, involvement in JROTC, extracurricular activities,
and community service. Additionally, an original essay was also required on the topic, “How JROTC has prepared me to be a better citizen of the United States of America.” The TXSSAR serves almost 400 high schools throughout the state and each school may submit one nominee for this competition.
Cantu was nominated by Air Force JROTC instructor Lt Col Porfirio Muñoz and recommended by Davis High School principal Mr. Anthony Watkins.
Following her nomination, Cantu was selected by the local Robert Rankin Chapter of the TXSSAR to compete at the state-level competition for her JROTC accomplishments and essay titled, “The First Piece of the Puzzle.” Cadet Cantu will receive a $150 cash scholarship from the Robert Rankin Chapter and a $2,500 tuition scholarship from TXSSAR. Cadet Cantu’s application and essay will be submitted in a national competition and the winner announced in Renton, Washington, in July at the national congress of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
“It’s an incredible honor for us to have Diana earn this state-level award. Her hard work and dedication is a prime example of being a better citizen for America. We wish her all the best at the national competition,” said Lt Col Muñoz.
