New ROTC members welcomed at DHS

DESTREHAN – Just as Destrehan High School has freshman orientation, the DHS AFJROTC has their own way to welcome the new members in the corps.

The Thursday, Friday, and Monday before school started, DHS AFJROTC held their Freshman Prep School. During those three days, the excited freshmen got a taste of high school life.

At the Prep School, the new cadets learned the basics of JROTC, such as the Chain of Command, facing movements, marching, and physical fitness.

At the end of the school, the cadets were given a test to prove themselves worthy of graduating.

The cadets that graduated from Prep School received the rank of Airman, whereas the cadets that did not received the rank of Airman Basics.

The freshman class this year was especially enthusiastic. There were several candidates for the Outstanding Cadet award, which is given to both a male and a female.

Although it was a tough decision, there were two cadets that flew above the rest.

Rebecca Stephens was selected the Outstanding Female Cadet.

When asked about her success, she told the Wing Commander, Neale Smith, that she had made note cards and studied all weekend. She is now the Flight Sergeant for Delta Flight.

Sherman Jones, the Outstanding Male Cadet, could execute every command perfectly and was confident about himself in ROTC. Sherman is now an Element Leader in Delta Flight.

As the Flight Commander of Delta Flight, I am incredibly proud of these two cadets.

This Prep School ultimately prepares the cadets for their careers in high school, and AFJORTC.