SPC Dane R. Balcon was a member of the Air Force JROTC program at Warren HS during its inception in 2002. He was an active member of the JROTC armed drill team and was an award winner at the Air Force Nationals Competition in 2003.
SPC Balcon pursued and achieved his dream of becoming a soldier in the United States Army. However, tragically, his life was cut short on Sep 5, 2007, by an improvised explosive device while deployed in Iraq. He completed his mission, doing what he loved – serving this great nation.
Scholarships and Grants have been developed in Dane's name and was created by his mother, Dr. Carla Sizer, to honor his legacy. The Scholarships are currently valued at $1,000 each, and the Grants are valued at $250 each. The number of scholarships and grants vary each year and are awarded to Senior AS4 Cadets, that participate in a Northside Independent School District JROTC program at the following schools - Brandeis, Brennan, Clark, Harlan, Holmes, John Jay, Marshall, O'Connor, Stevens, Taft and/or Warren High School. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, complete a resume, and write an essay.