The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) at Griffin High School held its annual commissioning ceremony Aug. 27, during which 31 senior cadets — the largest class at Griffin High within the past seven years — were promoted to the ranks of officers.

The new commander of the Bear Battalion is Lt. Col. Brannan Smith, with Maj. Ryan Haire named battalion executive officer. Capt. Jesse Beck, Capt. DaShundia Davis, Capt. Caleb Pritchett and Capt. Mark Webb were promoted to commanders of the companies Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta, respectively.

“They were selected based on their potential, not just because they are seniors,” said Lt. Col. Jesse Pugh, senior army instructor at Griffin High’s JROTC. “I’m very excited about this school year. We had superb attendance — parents, faculty members, administration — which shows their tremendous support.”

The ceremony also featured Col. Deborah Broughton Grays as guest speaker. Grays, who is the garrison commander for Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem in the Atlanta metropolitan area, administered the oath of office to the new officers.

Asked about his expectations for the new battalion staff, Pugh said that he wants the officers to provide positive leadership within the organization and throughout the school. He said he hopes and believes that they will set a good example for other students, perform well academically and participate in activities that contribute to the success of the school and the community.

The new battalion commander, who has about 300 cadets under his command, echoed Pugh’s views.

“We’d like to be the best staff and battalion we’ve ever had,” said Smith, who was happy to be in charge. “It’s a great responsibility, honor and privilege. To be selected (for battalion commander). It was great.”