SJN Cadet Allison Belt Receives Prestigious Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement

“St. John’s Northwestern has pushed me to become a well-rounded cadet and has given me opportunities to grow as a leader that I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced.” Allison Belt

DELAFIELD, Wis. – St. John’s Northwestern is proud to announce that Cadet Allison Belt of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, has been selected to receive the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement, one of the most prestigious national honors a JROTC cadet can earn and is the only recipient in Wisconsin.

The award recognizes outstanding cadets who demonstrate excellence in military and academic achievement while displaying exceptional leadership. The Legion of Valor Bronze Cross is highly competitive, with Army JROTC regulations limiting the number of awards available based on the number of eligible cadets across each JROTC brigade.

“Allison’s selection places her among just 21 cadets in the country receiving this honor, which speaks volumes about the level of leadership and academic excellence she has demonstrated,” said Jeff Ginther, retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant and Legion of Valor Awards Director. “She has distinguished herself among her peers by putting in the work, stepping forward as a leader and showing what she brings to the table. This honor puts her in an exceptional category, and I hope it opens doors for her in the future. Allison is an example to younger cadets of what can happen when you take the reins, lead with purpose and strive to be the very best you can be.”

Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement is a prestigious national award established in 1951 by the Legion of Valor. It is presented annually to a very select group of high-performing Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and Junior ROTC (JROTC) cadets who demonstrate excellence in military training, academic scholarship, and civic leadership.

“We’re incredibly proud of Allison and what she has accomplished. Recognition like this is a great reminder of what can happen when students are given opportunities to challenge themselves, lead and take on meaningful responsibility,” said President Mike Fink. “That’s something we want to continue building on at St. John’s Northwestern for young men and women as we create even more opportunities for our students to discover where they can go and what they can achieve.”

Belt’s selection represents an extraordinary accomplishment and reflects the leadership, discipline, academic commitment, and dedication she has demonstrated throughout her time at SJN.

Belt’s achievement comes during a historic year for St. John’s Northwestern and represents a defining milestone for the 143rd Corps of Cadets. As First Captain and Battalion Commander, she is the first female student in school history to hold the Corps’ highest-ranking cadet leadership position, a historic distinction since female students were first admitted to SJN in 2018. Her selection for the prestigious Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement adds another significant first, making Belt the first cadet in SJN history to receive this national honor. Together, these accomplishments speak not only to Belt’s exceptional leadership, character, and dedication, but also to the continued evolution of the Corps of Cadets. Her success demonstrates that leadership and excellence know no gender and reflects the meaningful contributions female cadets have made—and continue to make—to SJN, the Corps of Cadets, and the enduring tradition of developing principled leaders.

“This means a lot to our JROTC program here at St. John’s Northwestern,” said SJN Commandant LTC (R) Ioannis “John” Kiriazis. “It’s an indicator that Allison comes from an institution that values a culture of winning and performance. We are all so very proud of her.”

For SJN, Belt’s recognition highlights the impact of a structured leadership environment that challenges students to pursue excellence and take on meaningful responsibility. Through the Corps of Cadets, students develop leadership skills, accountability, teamwork, discipline, and confidence that extend well beyond the classroom.

“Allison has a rare and uncanny dedication to the Corps of Cadets at our school,” said SJN SFC Michael Trione. “In her time here, what most impresses me about Allison is her grit and determination. As one of our outstanding Raiders, Allison has earned and fought her way onto a nationally ranked Raiders Championship Team; what’s more, she competes without detriment on our all-male team. She is also a ranked Ultimate Raider as one of the best Raider Cadets in the Midwest. Allison has been tested, and she succeeds.”

Belt’s achievement adds to an already impressive record of accomplishment at SJN and provides another example of how the school’s specialized programs keep our students’ future aspirations in mind.

“To me personally, receiving this means so much more than an award; it represents the people who have influenced me to become the person I am today and the commitment and time I’ve put into becoming the best leader I can be,” said Allison. “St. John’s Northwestern has pushed me to become a well-rounded cadet and has given me opportunities to grow as a leader that I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. I believe receiving this award would not have been possible without the support and opportunities I had, and will continue to have, at SJN.”

For Allison’s parents, Brian and Kelli Belt, the honor is a powerful reflection of the growth they have witnessed since she first arrived at SJN as a seventh grader.

“When Allison arrived at St. John’s Northwestern, we could never have imagined the confident, disciplined, and driven young woman she would become. From the beginning, she set ambitious goals in academics, athletics, and leadership, ultimately becoming First Captain of the 143rd Corps of Cadets.”

The Legion of Valor Bronze Cross recognizes cadets who rise to the challenges of leadership, and no one is more deserving than Allison. “We have watched her work tirelessly, overcome challenges, lead by example, and serve others before herself. Her success reflects both her own determination and the guidance of the teachers, staff, and cadet leaders who supported her along the way. We are incredibly proud and cannot wait to see where her journey takes her next,” said Kelli and Brian.

St. John’s Northwestern congratulates Cadet Allison Belt on this exceptional national honor and recognizes the faculty, staff, instructors, and fellow cadets who have supported her journey.

To learn more about the JROTC-Leadership Program and the Corps of Cadets, visit: stjohnsnorthwestern.org/jrotc-leadership

About SJN: 

St. John’s Northwestern is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs that are built with future aspirations in mind. SJN is a private co-ed college preparatory boarding and day school and is accepting applications for grades 7-12 and post-graduate. Learn more at stjohnsnorthwestern.org.