Special to the Advance

Marian Military Institute sophomore Kristina Hughes of Atmore, received her associate’s degree and commission as an officer in the U.S. Army on Sat., Dec. 12.

During a morning commencement ceremony, her parents, Marcela and Bobby Hughes, pinned on her lieutenant’s bars.

Hughes’ first salute as an officer was rendered by SFC Allan Alexander, U.S. Army.

Enrolled in MMI’s Early Commissioning Program, one of only five such programs in the nation, the South Grand Prairie High School (Dallas, Texas) graduate racked up multiple awards and honors during her time at MMI.

In her final semester at MMI, Hughes served in the top leadership positions of Corps of Cadets Battalion Sergeant Major and Battalion Commander for Bold Tiger Battalion (the ROTC program). She was named to the All-Alabama Academic Team, received the Superior Cadet Award, the Battalion Commander Award and the American Legion Award for Scholastic Excellence, in addition to earning the Commandant’s Medal for Best Citizenship and Commandant’s Medal for Leadership.

Academically, Hughes graduated Magna Cum Laude and was recognized on both the President’s List and the Dean’s list. As a cadet, she was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the Normandy Society, Scabbard and Blade, the Honor Guard, the Honor Council and competed on the Ranger Challenge team.

Hughes will transfer to the University of Alabama in January to continue her studies while assigned to the Military Intelligence Detachment in the 20th Special Forces Group of the Alabama National Guard.

She plans to begin an active duty Army career upon completion of her bachelor’s degree and continue as a military intelligence officer.