Three members of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity are among the Northwestern State University students recognized at the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps spring awards ceremony.

Cadets in the 68th Demon Battalion were recognized for outstanding achievements and academic honors. ROTC’s mission is to recruit, educate, develop and inspire cadet with a focus on academics.

The ceremony recognized cadets who will commission as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army in conjunction with graduation from NSU, including Pi Kappa Phi member Tucker Ellis.

Cadets on the President’s List with a 4.0 grade point average include fellow Pi Kapp Tristan Thorman. Ellis and Thorman were also recognized for earning a 4.0 in military science.

The Corps of Cadets selects those who serve in Battalion leadership positions. Not only is it an honor to be peer-selected, but each position comes with challenges and demands of cadets’ time.

Ellis, a MS IV (senior) cadet, is the assistant S4, Logistics Officer. He received the Cadet Scholar Award, the Award for Most Improved GPA within the Program, Cadet Achievement Medal, Leadership Excellence Award and Recruiting Award.

Terran Turner, also a member of Pi Kappa Phi, is MS II cadet (sophomores). He received the Military Proficiency Award.

Thorman, a MS I (first-year cadet), received the Military Proficiency Certificate, the Commendation Medal, Cadet Achievement Medal, Color Guard Award, Field Training Exercise Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He also received the award of the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the U.S. for Academics.

Top cadets are those from each class who show strong academic and military leadership and demonstrate strong officer potential. These cadets volunteer, speak up and encourage others to improve. This year, Thorman received the Superior Cadet Award as the Top MS I cadet.

[Media release from Northwestern State University News Bureau/ Leah Jackson]