Austin Tripp, a senior at Wareham High School, has been awarded the Legion of Valor with Bronze Cross. The prestigious award was given to just 33 Junior ROTC cadets, and Tripp is the only Massachusetts recipient.

The award is given to students who have shown excellence in academics, community service, and leadership.

Tropp joined the JROTC program in ninth grade.

“He hit the ground running,” said program director Matt Stanton. Tripp joined the academic team, drill team and color guard.

“If we needed something to get done, he got it done,” Stanton said.

Tripp has also played varsity football and baseball, and has taken a number of advanced classes. Currently, he’s enrolled in four advanced placement classes. 

“He’s challenging himself as you should do as a student at Wareham High School,” Stanton said.

Tripp was selected for the award by the Legion of Valor, a group composed of elite members of the military.

Tripp said his favorite community service projects have been working at the Kendrick House in Wareham and collecting toys for Toys for Tots.

Tripp said that he hopes to go to college in Florida and study engineering.

Tripp is the second Wareham student to win this award. Keegan Cahill was a recipient in 2020.