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Sixteen University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) cadets have been named Distinguished Military Students (DMS) for the 2022-23 academic year. They were honored at the Sept. 25 DMS Review on the Gen. William "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field on Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Dahlonega Campus.

"These cadets' transition to university life and studies, as well as the Corps of Cadets, was greatly impacted by COVID during their first two years. They persevered in spite of the increased challenges and excelled in their field of study, physical fitness, and Advanced Camp performance this summer," Col. Bryan Kirk, Â鶹ÊÓƵ's professor of military science, said. "Consistent involvement from exceptional Â鶹ÊÓƵ faculty along with the professional cadre of the ROTC set conditions for success, and these dedicated students and leaders deserve recognition."

To be selected, a cadet must be in the upper half of the academic class, the upper third of the ROTC class, and the upper third of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Order of Merit List, established by the professor of military science. Additionally, cadets are chosen based upon interest and aptitude for military service, outstanding qualities of leadership, and high moral character as demonstrated by participation and achievement in campus, civic and military activities.

Consistent involvement from exceptional Â鶹ÊÓƵ faculty along with the professional cadre of the ROTC set conditions for success, and these dedicated students and leaders deserve recognition.

Col. Bryan Kirk

Â鶹ÊÓƵ professor of military science

"I hope I can be that inspiration to other females in the Corps of Cadets," Armstrong said. "If they put in the work, their dreams are possible."

Aguilar Jimenez, a senior from Canon, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration, appreciates the support he has received from those in the Corps of Cadets, along with his friends and family.

"I've been blessed enough to have great leadership throughout my four years here," Aguilar Jimenez said. "They have influenced me to become the best I can."

Isley, a senior from Milledgeville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in criminal justice, said his time in the specialty unit Mountain Order of Colombo has made a major impact on his trajectory.

"It helped me learn a lot about myself mentally and physically," Isley said. "We went through things together that I will never forget, and this unit encouraged me to become an ambitious person."

The cadets and their families were honored Sept. 24 during the annual DMS Banquet. The DMS Review and Banquet were part of the seventh annual Boar's Head Brigade-Corps Alumni Weekend, which brought together current and former cadets.

Retired Staff Sgt. David G. Bellavia spoke Sept. 23 at the Convocation Center to start the weekend. Bellavia is a Medal of Honor recipient for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.