Laredo Independent School District recognized three JROTC students for their hard work during the JROTC Honorable Cadet Ceremony at Cigarroa High School.
Martin High School junior Carlos Andrade, Nixon High School junior Xerina Coleman, and Cigarroa High School junior Ashley Adame were named LISD’s Honorable Cadets for their qualities and leadership skills as cadets who demonstrate outstanding capabilities as active members of their community through service, self-discipline, responsibility, and respect. The recognition was conducted by LISD’s ROTC Program and the LISD College, Career and Military Readiness Department.
Andrade is a junior at Martin High School and a Cadet First Sergeant for the Tiger JROTC. Carlos joined the JROTC Program to learn about military practices. JROTC has taught Carlos how to become a better citizen and has improved his leadership, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills. His most memorable experience in JROTC is participating in the Falfurrias Raider Competition. Carlos is also a member of the Spanish Club, National Honor Society, and football team. After graduation, he aims to earn a degree in Criminal Justice and enlist in the U.S. Army.
Coleman is a junior at Nixon High School and a Cadet First Lieutenant with the Mustang JROTC. Xerina joined JROTC to gain exposure to Military practices and training. Xerina is in the BIPS Early College Academy and will graduate with an associate's degree from Laredo College next year. In addition, Xerina is a member of One Act Play where she advanced to Area last year and was awarded the “Best Performer” Award. She aims to attend the University of Michigan or the Naval Academy to pursue a career in the STEM field with a degree in Aerospace Dynamics and a minor in Computer Science. She hopes to use her education in space exploration with NASA.
Coleman believes its extremely important for the cadets to get recognized. “It feels very personal. You work your hardest and you learn these lessons to be better and to build character, so to be recognized as the cream of the crop amongst my peers, well I’m completely in Awe. So, when you get recognized like this it just makes you feel very appreciated,” said Coleman.”
Adame is a junior at Cigarroa High School and is currently a Cadet Second Lieutenant with the Toro JROTC. Ashley joined JROTC to develop her leadership skills and become a better citizen. The skills and knowledge learned from JROTC has allowed her to be a role model to her younger siblings. Participating in CHS JROTC activities during football games, raider challenges, and field trips has provided Ashley with countless memories. Ashley cherishes every moment she has spent with her fellow cadets and instructors. In addition to being the S-4 in the Toro Battalion, she is a member of the Cigarroa soccer team, track and field, and Speed Factory. She plans to run her very own beauty salon and pursue a career in accounting after graduation.
“LISD created this initiative to recognize JROTC Cadets who are leaders not only in their squad/campus, but in their community as well,” said Rogelio Garcia, Executive Director of CCMR, Advanced Academics and Schools of Innovation. “They are an evident example of the JROTC mission, “To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens.”
“I feel that being in ROTC it has opened a lot of opportunities for my future,” said Coleman. “It has made me want to step out of my comfort zone to do things that made me uncomfortable and see how well I can work it out. It made me want to test myself and honestly, I feel that being in ROTC has got my confidence up and I have learned how to have trust in myself.”
The Cigarroa High School JROTC presented the colors, The Cigarroa High School Orchestra performed the National Anthem and CHS JROTC student Ashley Adame led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests enjoyed lunch which was prepared by the Cigarroa High School Culinary Arts students.
Cadets from LISD’s three JROTC Programs will be recognized every nine weeks. To be considered an Honorable Cadet, the student must submit a completed application with their information, resume, two letters of recommendation (non-JROTC Instructor) one recommendation letter from JROTC Instructor, essay, and cadet challenge score.
Cadets can get applications from the JROTC Instructors and counselors and must submit completed applications to their counselors.
For more information, please contact LISD College, Career and Military Readiness Coordinators, Mayra Garcia at 956-273-1863.