An Airport High School student and cadet battalion commander of its award-winning JROTC team has been recognized with a top national honor given by one of the nation’s oldest veteran service organizations.

Senior Carolina Redmond-Murillo has been awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross, an elite recognition that is given to outstanding high school or college Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and Junior ROTC cadets, recognizing exceptional achievement in military, education, leadership, and community service. The award is presented by the Legion of Valor of the United States of America, a fraternal organization for recipients of the nation’s highest honors for heroism, including the Congressional Medal of Honor and Service Crosses.

According to the Legion of Valor, of the more than 300,000 estimated cadets nationwide, fewer than 30 are selected for the annual award. Airport’s Redmond-Murillo is South Carolina’s only winner and is the top cadet from the 4th Brigade, which includes South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. 

Major Juan Cobbs, who leads Airport’s JROTC team, said Redmond-Murillo is most deserving of this elite honor.

“Cadet Redmond currently holds the position as Airport High School JROTC Cadet Battalion Commander, Drill Team Commander, and Student Government Senior Class President, and she is No. 2 in class rank,” Major Cobbs said.  “She is by far one of the best cadet students I have ever had the privilege to teach.   We are very proud of her and know she will do well in the future.”