McDowell High School's AFJROTC Unit received two special recognition awards for the 2023-24 school year. 

The unit received the Distinguished Unit with Merit Award (DUMA) and the Silver Star Community Service with Excellence Award (SSCSEA). 

According to the Millcreek Township School District, McDowell's unit is the only unit in Pennsylvania to receive the SSCESEA. 

Out of 831 AFJROTC units worldwide, McDowell's unit is one of 147 that received the DUMA. 

Additionally, only the top 42 units received the SSCSEA, placing McDowell's unit in the top 5 percent of units across the globe. 

The school district said the awards mark the 45th DUMA and the 5rd SSCSEA that the unit has received consecutively.