Cadet Denson stood tall in his uniform, eyes focused on the final commands before the big competition. As the leader Cadet Denson was really anxious as this was more than just a drill.
Cadet Denson’s journey with JROTC had started when he was a freshman before he came to Kenwood High his sophomore year. At that time, he had limited knowledge of what JROTC really entailed. He joined the program as a way to challenge himself, to be a part of something bigger than himself , but what he did not expect was how it could change his life.
In his first year Denson found himself adjusting fairly quickly to the JROTC life. It was intense and his Lieutenant Colonel and Sergeant Major’s expectations were high. The JROTC cadets were expected to maintain a perfect uniform to embody the core values like respect and responsibility. There were moments when hours of practice felt endless or when the pressure to perform was overwhelming.
But his family kept him going. As time went on Cadet Denson found himself becoming a leader. Cadet Denson’s second year was a turning point in leadership. He rose to the position of Cadet Adjutant, a cadet (a student or trainee) who serves as the administrative assistant to the battalion commander. He was ready to play his part in that position as he had to learn how to balance the demands of the program with his responsibilities all while also leading his fellow cadets. It was a challenge he was focused and ready to meet.
Up until their first major drill competition his cadets were nervous. Some were still rookies and others were still learning how to work together as a team, but Denson had been taught that leadership wasn’t just about giving them commands, it was about supporting and motivating each other. “This is what all of our hard work is for,” shares Denson.
Cadet Denson’s platoon won first place at the Junior ROTC DODEA Pacific East Competition. The feeling Denson felt that day was overwhelming. He realized that leadership within the program is not about individual pride, it’s about elevating those around you.
By the end of his third year Denson was nominated for the JROTC Leadership Award, an honor given to those who demonstrate leadership and exceptional dedication service within the program, but for Denson it wasn’t about the award but about the journey and the lessons he had learned. His cadets had become a true team. Looking back , Cadet Denson realized that his time in JROTC had shaped him in ways he never imagined . “JROTC taught me how to be a leader and how to face the challenges that come with it. It also allowed me to meet new friends I’ll have for a lifetime. My four years with JROTC has shaped my overall character and it still pushes me to do better each and every day,” shares Denson.
His journey wasn’t just about wearing the uniform, it was about embodying the core values of the program and being a leader in helping those around him do the same. Cadent Denson was recently accepted into United States Military Academy and plans to make it a career.
