The invitation came through a familiar channel.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt technically came through an email from the point of contact that we\u2019ve been dealing with on the other two events that we did,\u201d said\u00a0Ret.\u00a0Col. Scott Stewart, senior instructor of the AFJROTC program, noting the group previously performed at games in January and April.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
For Stewart, the opportunity\u00a0represents\u00a0more than just another performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means everything to them because it allows them to break out of this little circle that they\u2019ve been in, the whole Apopka\/Wekiva area,\u00a0and\u00a0allows them to get up on the big stage for everyone to get to see them,\u201d\u00a0Stewart said.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
With only days to prepare, cadets focused first on appearance\u00a0\u2013\u00a0polishing shoes,\u00a0belts\u00a0and equipment\u00a0\u2013\u00a0before shifting to precision drills.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you only\u00a0get\u00a0one shot,\u201d Stewart said. \u201cAnd if it\u2019s anything less than perfect, unacceptable.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The four selected performers\u00a0and two backups\u00a0were chosen from a larger group based on discipline and attention to detail.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are the best that this JROTC unit can provide,\u201d Stewart said. \u201cThese four have really shined:\u00a0their dedication, their attention to appearance\u00a0\u2026\u00a0it\u2019s that total package.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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For cadets, the moment carries both pride and pressure.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt very honored that they were able to see our cadets:\u00a0their effort, their practice, all the will that they put into it,\u201d\u00a0said Aidan Caraballo, a 10th-grade cadet, noting the exposure of performing at a playoff game.\u00a0\u201cI felt very honored to do such a big event with\u00a0\u2013\u00a0like Colonel Stewart said\u00a0\u2013\u00a04 million people\u00a0watching.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Caraballo described the opportunity as a personal milestone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEver since I started my time\u00a0in\u00a0AFJROTC, this is what I really want,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u201cI feel, personally, it\u2019s an achievement.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Still, preparing for a performance\u00a0of\u00a0this scale\u00a0has\u00a0not\u00a0been easy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe hardest part is really getting to know who\u2019s truly capable of\u00a0doing an event on such a large scale,\u201d Caraballo said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
While nerves are part of the experience\u2014even for instructors\u2014Stewart said they serve a purpose.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone\u2019s a little nervous\u00a0\u2026 but that\u2019s okay,\u201d\u00a0Stewart\u00a0said. \u201cNervousness drives perfection.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
And when the\u00a0cadets\u00a0step onto the court Saturday, the hours of preparation will come down to a few minutes under bright lights\u00a0\u2013\u00a0executed\u00a0in sync, one command at a time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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