It’s not every day that a military promotion takes place in a high school gym, but that’s exactly what happened Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, when newly appointed Staff Sergeant Monica Paglione chose Devine to hold her ceremony. 

“I thought it was pretty cool when she chose our school to have her promotion ceremony,” senior Melanie Frazier said. “It was an interesting thing to watch.”

Paglione gave a speech in thanks to the student body and her family after receiving her promotion certificate and pin.

“Her speech was really sincere,” junior Taylor Chandler said. “I liked that she included our school and her family in the entire thing.”

Paglione has served ten years in the United States Marine Corps and plans to retire at age 37. She was promoted to a level E6, and spoke about why she joined the Marines and what impact she hopes her ceremony has on the students.

“Ten years ago, I was sitting in the stands wondering what I was going to do; I had no idea how to be successful, but I knew I had determination, courage, and strength,” Paglione said. “So let this ceremony serve as a Hallmark in your life, whether it inspires you to do great things or gives you the knowledge of how promotions are given in the Marines.”