The school year is finally underway, and for the JROTC that means new leadership and new challenges. This year's Battalion Commander, Taylor Smith seems to have embraced both with enthusiasm and much motivation.

“The motivation is through the roof," said Taylor. "Everyone is more involved, and genuinely excited to be here.”

Executive Officer, Antonio Alaniz has also welcomed his new leadership role, seeing it as a milestone to his final year at GPHS.

“Being a senior and in charge of so many cadets, gives the feeling of accomplishment,” he said.

In addition to the various leadership in JROTC, there are many teams in which the cadets can participate, aside from what is required in the classroom. "Such assignments include physical training (PT), Color Guard, Armed and Unarmed teams, Academics, and Orienteering," said Alaniz. "All of which have a unique experience for our cadets."

The JROTC cadets and staff, plan on keeping the much sought after Golden Heart trophy. According to Alaniz, the PT team is the strongest it has ever been with the leadership of Cadets, Christian Poole and Christina Currie.
 
“Our cadets will be coming back with more medals and more trophies, and we’ll be on our way to compete at higher levels.” said Taylor.

JROTC has started the year quite motivated, with each planning to keep it that way as a team.

"It’s a big family, [which] gives us the feeling of togetherness," said Alaniz.