JROTC takes college road trip

Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Forty students in eighth through twelfth grade who participate in the JROTC program at Jefferson Somerset headed out bright and early on Friday, May 6, bound for Daytona Beach, Fla.. The educational trip would include visits to two colleges as well as fun activities to celebrate the end of their successful year.
Principal Cory Oliver addressed the group before they departed, saying, “I love you guys. I want you to have fun, be successful and do good things in the world. You can't do that sitting in the place you started. You have to get moving on your life journey. This is a good first step, getting out there and seeing the world.”
Students were full of anticipation and appreciation as they gathered in the cafeteria to have breakfast, receive their stipends for free-time meals, collect their journals and prepare to embark.
“It's exciting,” said Ja'veon Crumity, voicing the mood across the room.
Willie Scurry said, “I'm excited to be going on the ROTC field trip. I hope that I will learn something and experience new things.”
“This trip is going to be epic,” said Kaylee Burdick. “ROTC is a life-changing class. It really helps you conduct leadership.”
Serenity Murray said, “It's going to be fun. It's a time to bond, make new friends and become better people.”
Deovontae Walker, “I just want to say that this trip is amazing, and the people who organized it are incredible for letting eighth through twelfth grade have a chance to come out here and go explore the world. I want to give thanks to JROTC, the principal of Jefferson Somerset, Captain White and Sergeant Walker for doing this for us.”
Just before boarding their chartered tour bus, the students huddled with School Board Member Shirley Washington, who was instrumental in establishing the JROTC program for Jefferson County Schools. She led a prayer of thanksgiving and entreaty for a successful and safe journey.
As soon as the group arrived in Daytona, they headed to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. At the ROTC Center there, the Jefferson Somerset cadets were introduced to LTC (retired) Oakland McCulloch, the recruiting operations officer for Embry Riddle's Army ROTC program.
McCulloch briefed the cadets about the differences between high school JROTC and what they would learn if they were a part of a college ROTC program. They learned about the requirements for admission and scholarships to Embry Riddle University. McCulloch also shared information about four other colleges that fall under the Embry Riddle ROTC program.
After lunch, it was on to Bethune-Cookman University, a private historically black university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The students experienced the "Wildcat 360" tour – a total walk around the campus to learn about the history and programs offered at Bethune-Cookman.
Day two of the trip included a NASCAR tour at the Daytona 500 International Speedway and some free time to celebrate their accomplishments through JROTC.
“JROTC has been a good experience,” reflected Marisa Means. “I've been in it for four years. It taught me about life.”
Kailynn Mattingly commented, “I haven't been in ROTC too long, but people in ROTC have shown me what family is really like.”
“JROTC was an honor. I'm glad to be here,” said Jakeria James.
“I am honored to be in JROTC,” elaborated Corey Hatchett, “because we get to learn new things and do different things.”
Capt. Kevin White was pleased with the outcome.
“The trip was successful,” said White, “and really exposed the students to different possibilities available to them outside of the Monticello area.”