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Marjory Stoneman Douglas JROTC Cadet Paul Ditman Recognized as Cadet Leader

by David Volz May 9, 2026

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Marjory Stoneman Douglas JROTC Cadet Paul Ditman Recognized as Cadet Leader 2

MSD Senior Army Instructor Mark Anders and Paul Ditman, who was a candidate for Broward JROTC Cadet of the Year. {David Volz}

Paul Ditman is a standout JROTC Eagle Battalion cadet at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Serving as a cadet captain, he earned the nomination as the Eagle Battalion’s candidate for Cadet of the Year, competing against students from all JROTC programs in Broward County public schools.

Now a senior, Ditman has participated in many volunteer and service activities over the years, experiences that helped develop his leadership skills.

Of all his contributions, Ditman is proudest of his work with the Soldier Rush 5K, an annual event that raises money for military veterans. Over the past four years, he has helped set up and tear down the event and has responded to issues during the race. Additionally, he represented the Eagles battalion in parades, including the Coral Springs Holiday Parade, Parkland Day Parade, and District Pass in Review. Beyond this, he led efforts to organize school blood drives and JROTC fundraising.

Ditman’s leadership extends beyond JROTC. As president of the school’s orchestra, he organized the classroom, prepared the stage, created programs, and managed the setup and cleanup for concerts.

“I prioritized performing these acts of service over seeking credit for them,” said Ditman. “Each experience has strengthened my dedication to serving others through community events, school programs, and music, teaching me the value of hard work and making a lasting impact.” This fall, he will attend the University of North Florida.

According to Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Mark Anders, Senior Army Instructor for Eagle Battalion, Ditman is extremely dedicated and deserves the title ‘Cadet of the Year.’ Competition among the 30 nominees was intense. Ultimately, Steve Joseph, an Everglades High School senior, earned the title on April 23.

“Paul’s hard work and motivation resulted in his selection as the Regimental S6 for Broward County JROTC, where he established a great reputation amongst students and JROTC cadre across the county,” said Anders. “Daily, he makes a positive impression on everyone around him and reflects great credit upon himself, our JROTC Program, his school, and the United States of America.”

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.