JROTC Cadets Named 2026 SSgt Jeremy D. Smith Service Award Winners
ARLINGTON, Va. – Concerned Veterans for America Foundation (CVAF) on Wednesday announced the recipients of the 3rd annual Staff Sergeant Jeremy D. Smith Exemplary Service Award for Academic Year 2025-2026. Five JROTC Cadets across Texas distinguished themselves throughout the year through academic achievement, community service, and citizenship. In its third year, the award recognizes students from across Texas, SSgt Smith’s home state, with plans to expand eligibility in future years across the United States.
The 2025-26 CVA Foundation SSgt Jeremy D. Smith Exemplary Service Award Winners are:
- Joana Ezepue, San Angelo Central High School JROTC
- Rylan Huber, San Angelo Central High School JROTC
- Felicity Jones, Abilene High School JROTC
- Deborah Roberts-Shah, Henderickson High School JROTC
- Lilly Shakya, McAllen Memorial High School JROTC
Kandace Buchanan, CVAF Brand Development Director, applauded the cadets for the achievement:
“JROTC cadets are already in a league of their own, but these five took it a step further throughout the year to show what it means to serve. Their hard work and dedication to their studies and their communities is a direct reflection of the commitment to duty and country SSgt Jeremy D. Smith exemplified. They have truly earned this award and their actions honor SSgt Smith’s legacy. On behalf of everyone at CVAF, we congratulate these five outstanding cadets for their commitment to community service, in particular service to veterans, academic commitment, leadership, and patriotism.”
Through this award, CVA Foundation® is partnering with JROTC units, high school students, and students’ families to provide opportunities for cadets to demonstrate civic leadership, strive for academic excellence, contribute to their communities, and practice engaged citizenship. The award is designed to shine a spotlight on JROTC cadets who show strong dedication to these activities and encourage continued leadership, engagement, and success.
Cadets selected to receive the award will be offered a trip to Washington, DC, where they will be recognized and have the opportunity to experience the foundations of our nation and nexus of our republic. Additionally, based on the determination of a select, highly decorated military veteran, they will also receive a letter of recommendation for the student to carry with them to a university, military-related career, or military service industry.
BACKGROUND
CVA Foundation created the award to honor the life and sacrifice of U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jeremy D. Smith, who faithfully served his country on multiple combat deployments and who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on April 6, 2011, in Afghanistan.