The Lakeview AFJROTC Cadet Group was recently notified by Headquarters, Air Force JROTC, Maxwell AFB, Alabama, that they received the Distinguished Unit Award, “With Merit”. There are 886 Air Force JROTC units in high schools across the United States and at selected schools in Europe, in the Pacific, and in Puerto Rico. Lakeview is one of only 79 units achieving this recognition, placing their program in the top 10% for school year 2019-2020. The award recognizes Air Force JROTC units that have performed well above and beyond normal expectations and have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community, while meeting the Air Force JROTC citizenship development mission for America.
The objectives of the Air Force JROTC program are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship and life skills; promote community service; instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline through character education, and to provide instruction in air and space fundamentals. Enrollment is open to high school students who are in the 9th to 12th grades. The Lakeview unit’s selection was also based on its’ achievement of yearly goals in three specific areas, Cadet Growth, School Involvement/Improvement, and Community Involvement/Improvement.
During the 2019-2020 school year, Lakeview’s Cadet Corps garnered an “Exceeds Standards” rating during their annual Unit Evaluation. Cadets also improved their physical fitness, discipline, and confidence by completing pre/post physical fitness/wellness assessments (Presidential Physical Fitness Program), and providing 1,776 community/school service hours (over 26 hours per cadet).
The Lakeview High School Air Force JROTC program is directed by Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, Major (Ret) Bob Kellogg and Aerospace Science Instructor, Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) John Thomas. The Cadet Corps is led by Cadet Group Commander, Cadet Major Zack Favela. Key cadet staff members include: Cadet Captains Anna Smith and Nicholas Wiggins, Cadet First Lieutenants Ethan Smith, Blake Smith, Olivia Litton, and Ethan Nelson, and Cadet Second Lieutenants Kain Custis, Tierra Stacks, Taylor Coutee, Zack Gorham, Destinee Britt, and James Earp.
Lakeview Cadet Corps received an “Exceeds Standard” Unit Evaluation during their annual unit evaluation, school year 2019-2020, that helped the cadet corps earn the Distinguished Unit Award “With Merit.” Pictured are Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) John Thomas (Lakeview’s Aerospace Science Instructor), Cadet Major Zack Favela, Cadet Captain Anna Smith, Cadet First Lieutenant Ethan Smith, Major (Ret) Bob Kellogg (Lakeview Senior Aerospace Science Instructor), and Major (Ret) Don Bailey (HQ Air Force JROTC, Regional Director -6).
Lakeview High School Cadets Zack Favela, Ke’ira Thomas, and Anna Smith helped distribute food boxes as part of a monthly community service project. Overall, Lakeview cadets performed 1,776 hours of service during school year 2019-2020.
Lakeview’s Air Force JROTC Color Guard performed 43 color guard events during school year 2019-2020. Cadets Cami Faircloth, Olivia Litton, Shakayla Browder, Hannah Walsworth, and Micah Martin presented colors prior to Lakeview’s Football Game against Northwood.
Lakeview’s Air Force JROTC Cadet Corp’s mission is to “Develop Citizens of Character, Dedicated to Serving Their Nation and Community”. Select members of Lakeview’s Cadet Corps march annually in the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade. In addition to community service, Lakeview Cadets are also leaders in Lakeview academics and extracurricular activities; cadet GPA’s are 17% above the school average, with 82% of cadets participating in 1 additional school activity, and 57% in at least 2 additional school activities.
