RECOGNITION
Recognition marks the transition of the Fourth Class Cadets to upper class status. Recognition will take place in April 2024, and consists of wing and squadron-run training, challenge courses and events, speakers and “Prop and Wing” ceremonies, concluding with a celebratory dinner Saturday evening.
Parents do NOT attend Recognition Events, but traditionally congratulate the Fourth Class Cadets on their achievement in some way.
Recognition marks the transition of the Fourth Class Cadets to upper class status. Recognition will take place in April 2024, and consists of wing and squadron-run training, challenge courses and events, speakers and “Prop and Wing” ceremonies, concluding with a celebratory dinner Saturday evening.
Parents do NOT attend Recognition Events, but traditionally congratulate the Fourth Class Cadets on their achievement in some way.
EXEMPLAR
The Exemplar Dinner for the Third Class Cadets takes place during the fall semester. Since the Class of 2000, each subsequent class chooses someone who “exemplifies” the core values of USAFA- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The Third Class Cadets celebrate this selection at a formal dinner.
The Exemplar Dinner for the Third Class Cadets takes place during the fall semester. Since the Class of 2000, each subsequent class chooses someone who “exemplifies” the core values of USAFA- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The Third Class Cadets celebrate this selection at a formal dinner.
COMMITMENT DINNER
Commitment Dinner for the Second Class Cadets takes place at the start of the fall semester. Once cadets return to the Academy for their Second Class year, this formal dinner represents their active duty commitment. Members of the Legacy Class are invited to attend the Commitment Dinner to celebrate with the Second Class Cadets.
Commitment Dinner for the Second Class Cadets takes place at the start of the fall semester. Once cadets return to the Academy for their Second Class year, this formal dinner represents their active duty commitment. Members of the Legacy Class are invited to attend the Commitment Dinner to celebrate with the Second Class Cadets.
RING DANCE
This formal and prestigious ball is exclusively for Second Class Cadets. It is held during Graduation Week, before the second-class cadets become first-class cadets, and is where they receive their class rings and unveil the class crest. The rings are traditionally placed in a glass of champagne and are caught in the teeth following a toast.
This formal and prestigious ball is exclusively for Second Class Cadets. It is held during Graduation Week, before the second-class cadets become first-class cadets, and is where they receive their class rings and unveil the class crest. The rings are traditionally placed in a glass of champagne and are caught in the teeth following a toast.
100s NIGHT
100s Night for the First Class Cadets takes place approximately 100 nights before graduation. 100 Nights is a formal dinner where they wear mess dress. It is an opportunity for the First Class Cadets to join with the Legacy Class to celebrate 100 days until graduation and their commissioning as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force or a sister service. Cadets also receive their base assignments and are given liberty for the weekend to celebrate.
100s Night for the First Class Cadets takes place approximately 100 nights before graduation. 100 Nights is a formal dinner where they wear mess dress. It is an opportunity for the First Class Cadets to join with the Legacy Class to celebrate 100 days until graduation and their commissioning as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force or a sister service. Cadets also receive their base assignments and are given liberty for the weekend to celebrate.
GRADUATION WEEK
Graduation week is the culmination of four years of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, commitment, and preparation to become leaders of character in our nation's Armed Forces. Events this week are attended by families and friends, and include a parade, commissioning ceremonies, and the long-awaited graduation ceremony and celebratory flyover of the Air Force Thunderbirds as the Class of 2027 is released to begin their careers as commissioned officers.
Graduation week is the culmination of four years of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, commitment, and preparation to become leaders of character in our nation's Armed Forces. Events this week are attended by families and friends, and include a parade, commissioning ceremonies, and the long-awaited graduation ceremony and celebratory flyover of the Air Force Thunderbirds as the Class of 2027 is released to begin their careers as commissioned officers.