Published: November 06, 2009 07:33 pm      

Edmond cadet named homecoming queen

ROSWELL, N.M. — ROSWELL, N.M. — The New Mexico Military Institute Corps of Cadets selected Edmond resident Marlie Ball as the 2009 homecoming queen.

Ball, a cadet high school senior at New Mexico Military Institute, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Ball of Edmond. As a cadet, Marlie is following in the footsteps of her father who graduated from both the NMMI high school and junior college divisions in the mid-70s, achieving the top cadet spot of Cadet Regimental Commander.

Cadet Ball currently serves as a cadet troop first sergeant in the NMMI Corps of Cadets. She is a member of the Cadet Honor Board and on the Commandant’s List. She is a member of the NMMI Lady Colt varsity volleyball team, a Ropes Course facilitator, a physical training coach, and has attended Cadet Squad Leader School.

Former Edmond resident and current NMMI superintendent Maj. Gen. Jerry W. Grizzle congratulated the members of the homecoming court, saying: “This is my first omecoming at NMMI and I couldn’t think of a better representation of what our school is all about than the achievements and character of these super young folks. ‘Duty, Honor, and Achievement’ is the school credo, has been since 1891, and it’s our young people — all of our cadets — who give those words life and a meaning that lasts them a lifetime. My wife, Shawn, and I are very proud to be here and enjoy this time in our cadets’ lives.”

Commenting on Cadet Ball’s selection, Grizzle laughed and said, “I know Marlie well and she’s a great cadet. She’s from Edmond and I am too — we gotta be good ’cause we both gotta go home from time to time!”

Established in 1891, New Mexico Military Institute is the nation’s only nationally accredited, state-supported, co-educational college preparatory military boarding high school and junior college.