Cypress Creek High School Air Force JROTC’s Bravo Flight marches during the school’s first-ever Pass in Review on Oct. 30. The Bravo Flight was guided by senior Stormi Tomasino, center, and freshman Melissa Gonzales, holding flag. (Photo by Bryanna Rios, Cypress Creek HS)
By Joseph Luther, Cypress Creek HS
Nov. 18, 2021—The Cypress Creek High School Air Force JROTC unit (TX-20102) conducted its inaugural Pass in Review on Oct. 30 at the campus football field. The ceremony marks the first of what is planning to become an annual tradition for the unit.
The Pass in Review is a military tradition dating back to the first U.S. presidential inauguration designed to display the readiness of troops and their units to a newly assigned commander. The event featured Cypress Creek Principal Vicki Snokhous serving as the reviewing official.
CFISD has held a district-wide Air Force JROTC Pass in Review for more than 15 years.
The Cypress Creek High School Air Force JROTC unit cadet executive staff march in front of Pass in Review guests and attendees during the ceremony Oct. 30. The staff, left to right, include, sophomore Jaden McDaniel, junior Daniel Macias and senior Karli McMillin, who served as commander of cadets. (Photo by Bryanna Rios, Cypress Creek HS)
Senior Master Sgt. John R. Schwartz, a Cypress Creek aerospace science instructor, took on the task of organizing the event. He was assisted by Tech. Sgt. Joe Campbell, a former Jersey Village High School aerospace science instructor who retired in 2019 after serving the school’s JROTC unit. Campbell served as a reviewing official for CFISD’s Pass in Review in his last year.
“I could not have done it without his help. It was because of him that this event was successful,” Schwartz said of Campbell. “It was really rewarding seeing it all come together. My hope is that this tradition will last and will be carried on by future unit leadership. The tradition will certainly persevere for as long as I am here.”
The Cypress Creek 2021-2022 cadet executive staff performed exceptionally well during the ceremony. Senior Karli McMillin served as the commander of cadets.
Preparing the cadets for the event was a reflection of leadership skills from flight commanders and sergeants.
Cypress Creek High School Air Force JROTC’s Alpha Flight marches during the school’s first Pass in Review on Oct. 30. The Alpha Flight was guided by juniors Gilian Giles, saluting, and Christopher Dotson, holding flag. (Photo by Bryanna Rios, Cypress Creek HS)
“Being the first school in the district to have a ceremony like this is extremely honorable,” McMillin said. “I am extremely proud of the hard work our flight commanders did to make this event run smoothly. I’m super excited to see future leadership continue this tradition.”
Added junior Gillian Giles, Alpha Flight commander: “I am extremely proud of my flight and the progress we’ve made. It was a thrilling experience helping my cadets sharpen their drill skills. I am confident that Alpha Flight will continue to perform well on our next events.”
Among the guests in attendance were family members of the cadets, Cypress Creek and district staff and administration.
“I’d like to personally thank each and every person who came out to support our cadets,” McMillin said. “We appreciate your continued support of the program.”
The Cypress Creek High School Air Force JROTC honor guard includes, from left, senior Carter Dudzik, junior Uyen Nguyen, senior Angel Martinez and junior Tylen Sinegal. The school held its first-ever Pass in Review on Oct. 30. (Photo by Bryanna Rios, Cypress Creek HS)
