Stanhope Elmore JROTC unveils Army-approved crest, marking a milestone for Mustang Battalion

Amanda Pevey

Elmore Autauga News

The Stanhope Elmore High School Army Junior ROTC program added a new symbol to its uniform and its history during a patch and crest ceremony, Feb. 11, 2026, in the school’s new gymnasium.

For the Mustang Battalion, the event marked the official unveiling of its own Army-approved patch and crest, giving the unit a distinct identity tied to both the school and the Army’s heraldic lineage.

Cadet Lt. Col. Maria Escobar opened the ceremony by recognizing special guests and thanking parents for their support, calling the moment “a blessing” as she became the first battalion commander to present the SEHS JROTC crest. She said the crest represents “our history, our values, and the legacy of discipline and leadership that define the Mustang Battalion.” Escobar thanked instructors for shaping cadets into “stronger leaders and better citizens” and said wearing the crest carries a responsibility to “lead by example and serve selflessly.” Quoting Philippians 4:13, she added, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Escobar described the recognition as an “incredible milestone,” noting that approval by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry places the battalion within official military lineage. The designation protects the unit’s symbols and connects future cadets to a documented history, while the custom patch sets the program apart from other JROTC units nationwide.

Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Nathaniel Bartee also highlighted individual leadership, presenting personal military coins to two cadets. He praised Cadet Capt. Jasmine Snow for keeping the battalion “staying in sync” through strong communication, and he recognized Cadet Maj. Aiden Moorer as “Mr. Fix It” for his reliability and problem-solving.

“Leadership Matters: We focus on leadership, not just to pad resumes but to shift the culture from passive learning to active ownership,” said Bartee. “When students see themselves as leaders, they tend to engage more deeply with their academics and their community. We are SE.”

In closing remarks, Principal Michael Dunsieth called the ceremony a “momentous occasion” for the school. He said he was surprised to learn the long-standing JROTC program did not already have a crest and thanked Sgt. Maj. for leading the effort to create one. Dunsieth commended the cadets for their work ethic, volunteerism, and conduct, telling them their legacy as the first to receive the crest is now permanent.

“On the crest, it says leadership matters, and you are the prime example of that,” said Dunsieth. “Leadership matters at the school, and we appreciate all that you do.”

As cadets left the gym wearing the new patch for the first time, the crest represented more than a uniform change; it symbolized a legacy now formally woven into the history of Stanhope Elmore High School.