Joshua High School’s prestigious NJROTC program has received another national award. 

Lt. Johan Hernandez has been named a Legion of Valor Award recipient, one of only 50 high school and collegiate ROTC members in the country. Hernandez, a senior at JHS, is also the unit’s first Hispanic Commanding Officer in its prestigious history. The medal was established in 1960, and is given annually to outstanding junior division, military school division, senior division Reserve Officer Training Corps students and to National Defense Cadet Corps students that achieve scholastic excellence in both military and academic subjects, while stimulating the development of leadership. Selected cadets are chosen by existing Medal of Honor recipients. Lt. Hernandez is a member of the ROTC Color Guard and Rifle Team.

“I am very thankful for the opportunities at Joshua ISD,” said Lt. Hernandez. “They have provided me with the best education. The teachers have prepared and pushed me to become the best, and they truly care for you.”

 “Cadet Hernandez has an incredible work ethic and brains to boot,” said Lt. Col James Davidson, JHS Senior Naval Science Instructor. “This is a Cadet who excels in the intangibles; those qualities that are impossible to quantify, but essential to a future military officer.  His grades are excellent, but his character, integrity, loyalty and charisma are off the charts.  I would lead, flank, or follow this young man myself.”

 In addition to his ROTC success, Lt. Hernandez maintains a 4.0 GPA while taking Honors and Advanced Placement classes. He is a member of the JHS National Honor Society. He aspires to attend the Virginia Military Institute to study Applied Mathematics and commission into the United States Marine Corps. as an infantry officer.

Lt. Hernandez is the 11th Joshua cadet to receive the award. He will be given the Legion of Valor Award at the annual JHS ROTC Navy Ball, scheduled for 6:30 pm October 21 at Owl Stadium.

To learn more about Lt. Hernandez, check out this feature video.