ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Fourteen cadets from Topsail High School's Coast Guard JROTC program joined their peers from across the nation last week for the second-annual 2024 Coast Guard JROTC Junior Leadership Academy (JLA) at Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City.
The week-long, cadet-led and instructor-coached camp is designed to equip young leaders with the skills necessary to assume leadership roles in their home units. Cadets engaged in a variety of rigorous activities, including daily physical training and uniform and barracks inspections. They also received instruction in navigation, seamanship, damage control, first aid, and military drill.
One of the highlights of the academy was a cardboard boat regatta, where cadets showcased their creativity and teamwork by designing, building, and racing boats. Additionally, they participated in a simulated historic surf rescue drill at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station Museum on the Outer Banks, further enhancing their practical skills and understanding of Coast Guard operations.
The JLA provides a unique opportunity for cadets to develop leadership qualities and build camaraderie with fellow JROTC members from seven other units across the country. This year's academy continued the tradition of fostering future leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in their roles.
For more information on the THS Coast Guard JROTC program and its activities, visit the Topsail High School website.
THS CGJROTC Cadets that participated:
Cadet Lydia Amox
Cadet Dylan Bennett
Cadet Zacorro Busssard
Cadet Emma Danford
Cadet McKenzie Dendy
Cadet Chloe Dzierzynski
Cadet Susanna Estrada
Cadet Jack Griffith
Cadet Ethan Houston
Cadet Cici Orellana
Cadet Eamon Ostrosky
Cadet Kaleb Pearson
Cadet Evelyn Steiner
Cadet Bradyn Tober