The Naval Science Instructor and Command Master Chief (ret) Aaron Shipley and Principal Chad Carpenter of Highland High School presented the Legion of Valor Award Bronze Cross for Scholastic Achievement to Navy JROTC Cadet/Lieutenant Commander Brianna Tuggle, company commander of the SCOTS Navy JROTC Unit during an awards ceremony at Highland High School.

Tuggle was one of only two cadets to receive this prominent award out of 57 Navy JROTC units across the entirety of Area Three encompassing over 7000 eligible junior students. This award recommendation was submitted in April of 2023 while Tuggle was a junior.

The Legion of Valor award is voted on annually by a select group of Medal of Honor winners or their service equivalent to recognize scholastic and leadership excellence in military and academic subjects. C/LCDR Tuggle received this award as a result of her humble leadership, coachability, self-drive, stellar academic performance, dedication to others, and exceedingly exceptional performance.

During her four years of high school, she has served as the company commander (most senior cadet) within the SCOT Company, where she leads with distinction. As a four-year member of the drill team, Cadet Tuggle has served as the unarmed and armed platoon commander, as a part of the competitive color guard and inspection team, and provided senior leadership for the entire team. Cadet Tuggle is also a member of the SCOTS NJROTC air rifle team competing at Camp Perry in the Area Three championships.

Additionally, she has completed basic leadership training and leadership academy and was selected to return as an aide for both trainings due to her leadership style. She was selected into the National Honor Society and is a varsity member of the wrestling and softball teams. Cadet Tuggle also headed an entire senior NJROTC initiative to attend the 82nd Commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

On the very day this award was signed, Dec. 7, Cadet Tuggle stood in the Remembrance Circle in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with nearly 2000 people watching, including her fellow senior cadets, saluting Mr. Harry Chandler, a 102-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor. The entire school body of Highland High School congratulates Cadet Tuggle as she represents our high school and our unit with the utmost professionalism.