Unit GA-801 at Ridgeland High School has been selected for the sixth year to receive the Air Force Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit Award. This award recognizes Air Force JROTC units that perform above and beyond normal expectations and that distinguish themselves through outstanding service to their school and community. In addition, this distinguished unit finished the year with 55 competition wins and a perfect score of one thousand points in their last competition. Recognized for this great achievement are Lt. Col. Paul Simpson, Cadet Capt. Johnny Morgan, Cadet Major Jessica Harrison, Cadet Capt. Derek Jones, Cadet Lt. Col. Andrea Goins, Cadet First Lieutenant Keith Sikes, Cadet Lt. Col. Pedro Izquierdo, Cadet Major Jessica Bowman and Master Sergeant Carl Gentry.

Walker County superintendent Melissa Mathis and board members Mike Carruth, Phyllis Hunter, James A. Smith and Susan Wells congratulate Ridgeland High School JROTC instructors Master Sergeant Carl Gentry Jr., and Lt. Col. Paul Simpson who both received Air Force JROTC Air Education and Training Command Outstanding Instructor Awards for 2009. This award recognizes exemplary leadership of their cadet corps and superior initiative in developing citizens of character. Master Sergeant Gentry also received the Veterans of Foreign Wars District National Citizen Education Teacher Award for grades 9-12. This is the second year MSgt. Gentry has received this distinction.