About 200 Smith-Cotton High School cadets were treated to a ride in a Blackhawk helicopter Thursday morning as a reward for all their hard work over the past school year.

The Blackhawks landed at the S-C Junior High practice field, making several flights around Sedalia for well over 2 hours. Students were bused from S-C's high school campus.

The S-C JROTC Drill Team recently and proudly returned from Daytona Beach, Fla., with a national championship trophy, said Sgt. Mjr. Woods in between flights.

“This is their reward for a great year, and academically great, and what they do for our community, Woods said. He added that the event was rescheduled twice due to weather concerns. But Thursday appeared to be perfect for flying around the State Fair City in a powerful Blackhawk from Whiteman Air Force Base.

Next year's numbers are expected to be over 325, he added. This is the 12th year for the S-C JROTC program. And this year's battalion commander is Hollee Akers.

“It's great, I love it so much. I love being able to work with the cadets and see their leadership develop,” she said. Winning the national championship in Daytona. “So being on the drill team all four years was a dream come true.”

Cadet Commander Akers was on the first flight, or chalk, Thursday morning. “It was awesome, I'd never flown in a helicopter before, so it was great to have that experience with my friends beside me, and to be able to do this. This is the first time that any of the cadets here today have experienced this as well,” Akers said.

Sgt. Maj. Woods commended Commander Akers on her leadership skills. “I'll tell you right now, I could not ask for a better person to lead these kids,” he said.

Sedalia Police, Fire and PCAD were also on standby at the landing zone. And the Blackhawks refueled at the Sedalia Regional Airport, according to Airport Manager John Evens.

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