ROTC Second Semester

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:04:29 GMT

By Nehemiah Emaikwu

ROTC
Cadet Nina presenting a plaque to the General in appreciation and thanks for his visit.

At Eleanor Roosevelt High School, JROTC cadets often think back to the events they enjoyed most from the first semester, and look forward to the events for the second semester. On January 7, 2012, JROTC cadets participated in a drill competition with other schools from Prince Georges County and several out of county units. The cadets departed the ERHS parking lot bright and early at 6AM for Gwynn Park High School the site of the competition. They participated in the Color Guard competition, the Armed and Unarmed competition, a Uniform Inspection and a Knock-out competition. Afterwards, they were eager to share their thoughts about the competition. Senior C/Lieutenant Teresa Jones enjoyed it and she said “I think we did a really good job, and even though we didn’t place, I’m proud of us all.” She was impressed with the improvement of the team. Senior C/Lieutenant Kelli Lowry added that “it was a good experience [and that] it was a good turnout.” She agrees with Jones that even though the team did not win any trophies “[they] each learned a lot and now know what [they] need to work on.” Recently, the corps of cadets was visited by Major General Darren W. McDew, the Commander of the Air Force District of Washington during their in-service on February 28, 2012. JROTC officers worked very hard to prepare not only a Presentation of Colors and a musical ensemble but also a memorial plaque that was presented to the General. The General delivered a “message focused on the importance of education to JROTC cadets, the availability of career options upon graduation, and a reminder to never close doors on any opportunity. He also encouraged the cadets to rise above issues such as bullying, drugs/alcohol and sex. The General stressed to the cadets that need to be ready for the many "tests" that they will encounter after high school.” The cadets had many positive things to say about the visit. Freshman cadet Morgan Epps said, “I enjoyed learning more about him, I enjoyed learning about his views on life and what he did in the Air Force.” Fellow cadet, freshman Jonathan Plane agreed with Epps and added that “his speech was really good” and that it was a good motivator. Senior C/Lieutenant Najiyyah Mustafa thought that the General’s visit was inspiring and she appreciated “the fact that he took time out of his day to visit.” The cadets were glad to have such an important person come talk to them and Epps summed up the importance of the event with these words: “it gave the cadets something to aspire to if they want to join the military and it gave us a new role model we can model ourselves after.” The biggest upcoming event for JROTC cadets is the JROTC RGC Military Ball. Cadets enjoy the event because they get to socialize with their friends from other schools. They are also able to participate in a ballroom dance competition that involves many different dances such as the Waltz, the Swing and the Tango. The Unit commander, senior C/Colonel Matthew Brown looks forward to “the dance competition because there’s usually a variety of different styles we see from the other schools.” Eleanor Roosevelt’s very own Saber Team plays a large part in the events of the Ball; at the start of the Ball they form an “Archway of Sabers” for the Princes and Princesses to pass through as they process into the ballroom and at the end a member of the team ceremonially cuts a cake with a saber. The Sabre team commander this year, senior C/Lieutenant Vicente Campos said, “I’m looking for my people to look sharp, do their best and have fun.” Brown adds that the Ball is important because it is “a chance to socialize with the other schools in a free, social manner.” JROTC cadets have enjoyed the events of the first part of the school year and the experiences they have brought. They look forward to the events to come and for the knowledge they will gain from them.