On Saturday, Feb. 12, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will hold the 68th annual Senior Banquet and Military Ball. 

A special event for all cadets, it is particularly meaningful for the graduating senior class that will be honored first at the Senior Banquet and then later when all seniors are presented to the entire corps at the Military Ball.

Lt. Col. Bill Stringer, U.S. Marine Corps retired, Deputy Commandant of Cadets for 1st Battalion of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets explains the importance of the banquet and ball, “The Senior Banquet allows the senior class to share an evening of camaraderie and fellowship as a class as they draw near to graduation and the Military Ball is a highlight for all cadets, but especially meaningful to the seniors as they walk through the saber arch and are presented to the entire corps one more time.”

The Senior Banquet is being held in Owens Dining Hall and starts the evening’s events. The Virginia Tech Class of 2011 is proud to welcome James I. Robertson Jr., the Alumni Distinguished Professor in History in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences as the guest speaker for the banquet.

Immediately following the banquet, all cadets and invited guests will attend the Military Ball in the Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires Student Center. The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Jazz Ensemble the Southern Colonels, an ensemble group of the Highty-Tighties, the Regimental Band, will play introductory music and the Color Guard will present the colors. In addition, the Gregory Guard, the corps rifle drill team, will perform a rifle spin routine. All seniors and their guests will then be presented and proceed through a ceremonial saber arch provided by Sash and Saber, the Civilian Track Honor Society.

The Senior Banquet and Military Ball are planned and organized by the Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society. The top 10 percent of ROTC cadets are selected in their junior year for membership in this prestigious organization.

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