The Legion of Valor is among the most prestigious and exclusive awards within the JROTC program. North Atlanta’s very own senior student, Ryan Hoffman, is one of the few students nationwide to have received this award. Receiving the Legion of Valor is no small feat, as it is only granted to 60 students each year, compared to the JROTC program’s population of over 500,000 participants. As the second-highest national JROTC award, recipients must demonstrate extreme leadership, dedication, and academic distinction – all of which are areas that Hoffman has proved to excel in.
As one of the few JROTC students to be awarded the Legion of Valor, Hoffman will certainly remember this accomplishment. Hoffman displayed excellence both academically and within the JROTC program, which was recognized by his Senior Army Instructure Tonya Benton, who submitted Hoffman as a candidate to receive the Legion of Valor. Although his award is an achievement that should be celebrated, Hoffman does not plan on slowing down in the future. “It’s definitely an accomplishment,” said Hoffman. “It will serve as a benchmark of what I’ve done so far and what I’ll strive to continue to do.”
As a fellow student and a Brigade Executive Officer in the JROTC program, Carter Rose has had a front-row seat to Hoffman’s journey to receiving the Legion of Valor. Rose works and coordinates with Hoffman on a district level for JROTC, and he understands the merit it takes to receive this award. “Receiving the Legion of Valor takes a lot of dedication, commitment, and excellence,” said Rose “Ryan worked hard, there’s definitely no one else who deserves it more than him.”
As the only recipient in the 6th brigade, Hoffman’s success is recognized by more than just his fellow students. Major Jones, a JROTC instructor at North Atlanta, is just one of the many instructors who had the chance to witness Ryan Hoffman’s work ethic and virtue firsthand. “Cadet Hoffman absolutely deserves the Legion of Valor,” said Major Jones. “From what I’ve seen from him since the beginning of the school year, has been nothing short of stellar.”
As one of the only cadets in the state of Georgia and the second North Atlanta student to receive the Legion of Valor, Hoffman has certainly made a historic achievement for himself and for North Atlanta. With no signs of slowing down, Hoffman only plans to keep achieving greatness.
