Cadets honored with flag detail at Vanderbilt game
First-year cadets Nyla Williamson, John French, and Akaela Quarles received the flags at Saturday’s football game against Vanderbilt.
The passing of the flags during the pre-game ceremonies was a continuation of the proud partnership between the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and Virginia Tech football to highlight the colors at every football game.
Three football players, chosen because of their performance in the last game or at practice, carried the American flag, the state flag, and the team’s spirit flag and led the team onto the field. They delivered the flags to cadets at the south end of the field.
The cadets, also selected based on their performance in the corps, rendered honors to the flags and carried them off the field. For home games, three first-year cadets are selected, and one or two upper-class cadets travel with the team and receive the flags at away games.
Williamson, from Austin, Texas, is in Army ROTC and majoring in political science in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. A member of India Company, she quickly mastered military drill and new cadet knowledge while establishing herself as a team player eager to help her fellow first-year cadets. Williamson’s positive attitude lifts those around her and makes her an essential member of her company.
French is in Naval ROTC as a Marine-option midshipman and is majoring in forestry in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. From Manassas, Virginia, he is inquisitive and resilient. A team-oriented member of Lima Company, he is known for supporting his fellow first-year cadets while motivating them to succeed.
Quarles, from Prince George, Virginia, is also a member of Army ROTC and is majoring in sociology in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Proving herself as a quick learner, she rapidly mastered new skills during New Cadet Week and shared her knowledge amongst her classmates. She is team-oriented and dedicated to the success of her fellow first-year cadets in Mike Company.
