By Kathy Copeland/Community Columnist

Commitment to hard work, perseverance and detailed preparation earned high marks for Vincent’s Middle High School JROTC Program; scoring a 98.5 on the JPA. The accreditation evaluation currently occurs every three years.

Feb. 6 was a big day for this program. One cadet said, “We have been preparing for this day for two years. I’m so nervous.” All of them surely felt the same way; it had to be nerve racking to speak in front of fellow students and invited guests which included elected officials. Yet, as each one approached the podium, they spoke with confidence.

The cadets took turns explaining their respective roles within the Battalion and identifying strengths and problem areas. They reported on goals, outlined milestones and action plans designed to achieve continuous improvement.

Mr. Gates, the evaluator, acknowledged the number of elected officials in the audience and shared that it was the first time he had experienced three mayors attending an accreditation briefing.

Students from three municipalities attend Vincent Middle High School, and all three mayors—Don Greene of Harpersville, Ray McAllister of Vincent and Larry Riggins of Westover—are actively supportive of the Yellow Jackets.

Vincent Councilmembers Larry King, Bridgette Jordan Smith and Mary Lee Reynolds and Westover Councilmember Susan Lane were also in attendance.

McAllister was complimentary in his comments about the program and its impact in the community. “This group has helped with an annual event called Vincent in the Park, and they helped us last year do the re-striping of the parking lot at the park,” McAllister said.

The Alabama Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Department of Defense and participating high schools. The program’s curriculum consists of education in citizenship, leadership, social and communication skills, physical fitness and wellness, geography and civics.

JROTC is a required course for all ninth graders at Vincent. “It’s foundational learning for our students,” school Principal Dr. Michele Edwards said. “This program teaches our kids how to be excellent in whatever they do and how to be good leaders.”

JROTC equips students to act with integrity and personal accountability as they lead others to succeed. Students engage in civic and social community issues and activities. They recently presented the colors at the Alabama vs. Missouri State hockey game.

“We have a great group of Cadets,” Major Stanley Murrell said. “What they are learning in this program will equip them to be leaders in whatever they choose to pursue once they leave us—whether it be college, a civilian job or the armed forces.”

The student’s admiration for Major Murrell and Sgt. Major Mary Kyser, who oversees the program, is apparent by watching them interact which must add motivation for these young people to do well. There were lots of smiles over the outstanding score assigned by Mr. Gates. “I am so proud of this group of students—this high score speaks volumes about the value of the program,” Kyser said.