Florida cadet receives prestigious Willson Ring

More Class of 2009 commencement news

Cadet Valentin J. Boza of Plantation, Fla., is The Citadel’s 2009 recipient of the John O. Willson Ring, which was presented Saturday, May 9, during commencement for the South Carolina Corps of Cadets.

The Willson Ring has been awarded annually since 1911 to a senior elected by his or her peers as the finest, purest and most courteous member of the class. Willson, who was a Citadel student until 1862 when he left to join the Confederate Army, established the award to honor the most popular student among his or her peers.

Cadet Boza is commander of 3rd Battalion, where he oversees four companies and about 500 cadets. A criminal justice and Spanish major, he has participated in intramural sports and has been active in the Knights of Columbus, Rifle Legion Drill Team, Spanish Club, Modern Language Student Council, Chapel Color Guard, Junior Sword Arch, and the Citadel Catholic Choir. He is a member of the Summerall Guards silent drill platoon.

Boza is the recipient of the Military Order of the World Wars Award of Merit for military and academic achievement. He also has been named to the Dean’s List and Commandant’s List for outstanding military and academic achievement while at The Citadel.

A graduate of Plantation High School, Boza is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jose Boza of Plantation.