Class of 2024 Ring Dance
Ring dance, also known as ring dining out, is a ritual that began with the Class of 1959 and can be traced all the way back to the West Point Class of 1835. This celebration is exclusively for two-degree cadets before the second-class cadets become first-class cadets, and is where they receive their class rings and unveil the class crest.
The Class of 2024 crest design team began drafting their crest over a year ago. Their crest retains the same elements of every class crest: the class number, the class year, the Polaris star and the eagle.
However, the Class of 2024 crest features one small detail that no other class has used before and that is a COVID-19 virus molecule. After a series of sketches, the design team settled on the current design featuring the virus molecule at the hilt of a saber.
C2C Vegas Rohaly describes what her class ring represents to her, “To me, my class ring is a representation of all of the people, all of the events and all of the hardships that have gotten me to where I am now. All of these people and all of these experiences are represented in this ring which I also know are shared throughout the Long Blue Line.”
The class crest is one of the most treasured representations of class unity and class pride. Until graduation, the class will wear the ring with the class crest facing inward, closest to their hearts. After graduation, the ring is turned so that the Academy Crest is closest to the heart of an officer ready and willing to protect and defend with the training they have received.
This is a unique tradition in which all graduates of the Academy are forever united. Through the blood and the sweat, the triumphs and the failures, they become brothers and sisters for life.
The United States Air Force Academy's Class of 2024 is a group of high achieving officer candidates determined to make history. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2024 persevered and remains focused on their goal of graduating as leaders of character.
As future leaders in the United State Air Force, the Class of 2024 is poised to leave a legacy. Their determination, passion, and unwavering spirit to service make them destined for greatness. The United States Air Force Academy can be proud of the Class of 2024, and the world can expect great things from these future leaders.
To view photos, go to Classes > 2024 > Ring Dance. Set your sort order from Oldest to Newest. Photos can also be found at the links below: