“Attention on deck!” yelled Capt. Ricks Polk, who heads the Navy ROTC and Marine units on campus, and suddenly 40 midshipmen stand at their best attention.

“At ease,” Polk continued.

Midshipmen were awarded Thursday for the hard work they put into their academic, physical and military life last semester.

The night began with an award dedicated to “outstanding” physical fitness. Only eight Navy members and three midshipmen were recognized.

The next award was dedicated to midshipmen who worked to achieve.

“Few members of the battalion are recognized each semester for achieving the battalion goal of a GPA of 3.2 or higher,” said Matthew Burchill, adjunct instructor in naval science.

He continued by saying their personal example in the area of academic achievement serves as an example to each member of the Cyclone Battalion to emulate.

About 16 midshipmen received this award.

Five midshipmen were next recognized for their academic achievement that soared above the goal of a 3.2 GPA by having a minimum 3.75 GPA.

“A grade point average of 3.75 or higher is not achieved by chance,” Burchill said. “Many hours of strategic and purposeful studying are required. Your faithful efforts are paying huge dividend and are an excellent example for others.”

The last award to be handed out was an award dedicated to “all-around” midshipmen. Brian Bavlsik, sophomore in interdisciplinary studies; Jaroslaw Jozwik, senior in aerospace engineering; and Adam Pollard, senior in interdisciplinary studies, were recognized for their success.

The “all-around” award is designated for midshipmen who achieve success both physically and academically during the semester.

“Your stellar performance reflects great credit upon yourself and serves as a sterling example for others,” Burchill told the midshipmen.

Each midshipman awarded received a letter from the ISU NROTC commissioner’s office and a gift card. Depending on the award they one, midshipmen became authorized to wear a ribbon that would stand for their achievement.

“I don’t want you to just focus on ‘Hey, we need to fix this.’ I want you to also be proud of all the good work that is going on on a daily basis,” Polk said. “So thank you so much for all that you’re doing, continue to improve yourselves [and] make yourself ready to become officers.

Select midshipmen were recognized after the ceremony for participating in intramurals and doing 10 or more hours of community service that was non-unit affiliated.