For the second year in a row, Lakeview Junior/Senior High School’s Air Force JROTC program has earned one of the highest honors in the nation—the Distinguished Unit with Merit Award.

Headquarters AFJROTC announced that Lakeview’s unit ranks in the top 10 percent of more than 850 programs worldwide. The award recognizes outstanding performance in all aspects of the program, including cadet involvement, community service, and leadership development.

“This award is a great honor for our school,” said Major Stacey Wiggins, who leads the Lakeview AFJROTC program. “Our cadets work really hard throughout the year volunteering, competing in tournaments, and carrying out their Corps duties. All their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.”

The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is a citizenship and leadership development program focused on building character and preparing students to become future leaders.

“We are building our leaders of tomorrow through this program,” Wiggins added. “I am grateful to be a part of something that has such a profound impact on the lives of our students.”