Everglades High student named Broward County Public Schools JROTC Cadet of Year
Out of 30 exceptional Broward County Public School students, only one is chosen as JROTC Cadet of the Year.
Everglades High School senior Steve Joseph earned that recognition during a ceremony on April 23. For his achievements, he earned a $2,000 scholarship and plans to attend the University of South Florida.
Because of Joseph’s hard work, he was promoted to Cadet Colonel, the highest rank obtainable in JROTC.
“His dedication to leadership, academic excellence and service to others reflects the core values we strive to instill in every student, and we are proud to recognize his outstanding achievements,” BCPS Superintendent Howard Hepburn said in an April 30 news release.
The process for consideration includes appearing before a board on a random basis, with the board consisting of a school administrator/teacher, law enforcement, public official or JROTC alumni.
They must answer a series of questions about citizenship, American history, current events and military knowledge.
“JROTC has given me a support system and a shoulder I can always lean on,” Joseph said in the news release. “What I’ve gained from this program is greater than what any other classroom has offered me.”
The U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is a youth development program with the mission “To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens.”
It offers its own accredited curriculum as well as co-curricular activities, such as military drill competitions, STEM camp and the Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge physical fitness challenge.
