Dear Cougar Battalion Parents and Guardians,
The Wake Forest High School JROTC Cougar Battalion has been invited to march in the Rolesville Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 7, 2025. This is an important community event where our cadets represent both Wake Forest High School and the JROTC program in front of the public.
Below are the key details for the event:
Event Details
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Location: Downtown Rolesville – Thales Academy (behind the Police Station)
Uniform: Class A uniform
Santa hats will be provided to cadets when they arrive at the parade staging area. Cadets do not need to bring their own Santa hats.
Arrival & Dismissal
Due to parade traffic and float staging, please plan to arrive EARLY for both drop-off and pick-up. Roads will be crowded, and access may be slow.
Cadet Arrival: between 12:30–1:00 p.m. at Thales Academy
Parade Line-Up: begins at 12:30 p.m.
Parade Step-Off: approximately 2:00 p.m.
Parade Ends: approximately 3:00 p.m.
Snacks for Cadets: 3:00–3:15 p.m.
Pick-Up Time: 3:15–3:30 p.m.
Because of float traffic entering and exiting the area, we strongly encourage parents/guardians to arrive on the early side of these windows to avoid delays and ensure a smooth and safe dismissal.
Drop-Off & Parking
If dropping your cadet off by vehicle, the only vehicle entrance to the Thales Academy lot will be via Grand Rock Way (unless your cadet is walking in).
Only vehicles participating in the parade will be allowed to park in the Thales lot; all others should drop off and depart as directed by parade officials.
Parade Route (for your awareness)
Start at Thales Academy
Move up Storage Drive to Main Street
Turn left onto Main Street, then right onto E. Young Street
End at Rolesville Baptist Church
Expectations
Our cadets understand that they represent Wake Forest High School and JROTC at all times. Every action they take is a reflection of themselves, their families, their school, and the Cougar Battalion. We appreciate your support in reinforcing expectations for professional behavior, proper uniform wear, and respectful conduct throughout the event.
If your cadet is unable to attend, or if you have any questions about logistics, please contact me or CSM Cribb as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued support of the Cougar Battalion and for helping our cadets spread Christmas cheer in our community.
Respectfully,
-DeAndre McDonald
Senior Army Instructor