Five of Belen High School NJROTC cadets attended Area 10 Leadership Academy at McGregor Range from June 12-16.
The five cadets who attended leadership camp were Cadet Lt. Victoria Lopez, our unit commanding officer, Cadet Lt. Junior Grade Sithandra Dowdy, our unit executive officer, Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer Alex Griego, our unit senior enlisted, Cadet Ensign Ryan Griego, our unit operations officer and Cadet Petty Officer Third Class Trey Shrider, our unit webmaster.
They were part of the graduating class that included cadets from New Mexico schools from Gadsden, Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Santa Teresa. The cadets from schools in El Paso included Americas and Socorro.
The Leadership Academy is designed to prepare juniors and seniors for leadership positions in their school’s NJROTC. The goal of the program is to teach cadets valuable life and leadership lessons through real-life scenarios so that they can lead other NJROTC cadets the following school year. The intent is for them to be someone who can come in and supervise, organize and train.
Topics included leadership characteristics for the cadet officer, physical fitness and the leader, commanding troops, inspecting troops and social etiquette and manners. These activities helped to teach cadets how to motivate themselves to achieve their leadership and intellectual goals while providing an environment for them to practice those skills.
The lessons showcased different perspectives that many other JROTC instructors had on leadership by offering discipline ideals, different leadership styles, and more. Cadets received individual commendations for exceptional performance during the training. Cadet Lt. Victoria Lopez was the top female drill commander and was selected to be the graduating class platoon commander.
Cadet Lt. Junior Grade Sithandra Dowdy, who has not been a drill or color guard commander, participated in the Color Guard competition as the commander and placed a very close second place. She was selected as Belen’s High School most improved cadet.
Finally, the cadets from Leadership Camp received some encouraging words from a special guest. In attendance for the graduation was retired Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Samuel Perez Jr., of El Paso, presented the awards to the cadets. The cadets were excited to hear the admiral talk about his duties at sea to include supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn, as well as duties ashore at the Naval Forces Central Command.
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April 25, 2024
