The start of the new school year means a new chain of command and a new top four.
The Top 4 are a group of 4 cadets who are responsible for the entire cadet company, The 1st Sergeant, The Company Commander(CO), The Executive Officer(XO), and The Gunnery Sergeant. They will plan all events ROTC does. When asked about their past experience, the new top 4 said:
Cadet Staff Sergeant Aaron Adams (New First Sergeant)
"I am very thankful to have the opportunity to continue my work with the Drill Team while also being able to expand my leadership skills on the company level. I value the time and effort that those before me have put into their jobs and I intend to do the same and continue to help the program grow and positively influence the cadets of our program."
Cadet Rachel Blumhardt (New CO)Â
"I'm very grateful to have the privilege of serving as the CO GySgt this year. The best part of it is working shoulder to shoulder with other cadets, and I've learned far more from them than what they may have learned from me. Next year will be different in many aspects, but I'm looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities the 2024-25 school year will bring."
Cadet Abirami Anilkumar (New Executive Officer/XO)
"JROTC has shaped the majority of my high school career; It has helped me grow as a person through leadership, responsibility, and friendship. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be next year’s XO, and It is my hope to pass the knowledge that I’ve gained in the past three years onto the cadets I will be leading next year."
The new Gunnery Sergeant for the 24-25 school year is Cadet Morgan Pike
When asked for new advice for the new top four, the old top four said:
(Rachel Blumhardt) Company Gunnery Sergeant
"Make the most of the time you have. Getting things done is important, but don't forget to invest in your cadets and build those bonds. Know when it's time to take charge and know when to step back, and avoid micromanagement in an attempt to prevent failure, failure is often the best tool for growth."
(Kerolos Gerges) CO
"Step back, and let the other leaders to do their job, but to always be ready to step in to give advice, guidance and assistance whenever it is needed. As well as keeping a positive attitude towards everything to ensure the positivity of the cadets."
(James Courtney) XO
"Focus on the cadets who surround you. I would say motivate those who are under you and motivate those who work with you. As the XO you have a lot of responsibility in the program. Take that responsibility and apply it to all the cadets you are in charge of. As for working in your billet, do not stress over the work that needs to be done. Always ask for help from the other top 4 members if you need help on doing something. Lastly, It's senior year for the XO, make the most of the year and do everything to help the future cadets of the program. It does not matter about the awards you obtain in the program for your final year, but it matters about the impact you make on the future leaders of the program. "
(Ebram Gerges) First Sergeant
"As the first sergeant always be motivated in every aspect of JROTC and get to know your cadets so they can look to you for advice and not be intimidated by you."
When other Cadets were asked how they felt about the new top four, this was their response:
Cadet Lance Corporal Gabriel Vanorden
"I feel they are all good and will help the 24-25 school year thrive throughout the year."
Cadet Corporal Lillian Strand
"I think the new top 4 deserves to be on it. They all worked really hard to get where they are now."
Cadet Private Abram Adams
"No complaints, they are good choices, will it take time to remember the new ones? Yes, but good choices"
Cadet Lance Corporal Jayden Couch
"I believe they were good choices for the 24-25 school year, I can't wait to see what they do differently than the 23-24 school year top 4."
While 3 of the 23-24 Top 4 are now graduating: Cadet Captain Kerolos Gerges, Cadet First Sergeant Ebram Gerges, and Cadet Captain James Courtney. The new CO(Cadet Rachel Blumhardt) was 23-24 Gunnery Sergeant. She is the only returning cadet to Top 4. The new Top 4 will be official April 11th, 2024 at the ROTC Award Ceremony. The Outstanding LE-1 and the Best Drill Cadet is Cadet Corporal Lillian Strand.Â
Over the 23-24 school year, many incredible things have happened. We had the Marine Corps 248th Birthday Ball, We ran the Warrior Dogs 5K charity, we hiked 5 miles on 9/11, we cleaned up 2 state parks, we have competed in many drill meets and rifle competitions. Cadet Corporal Lillian Strand (A Sophomore) was chosen for the MTSU True Blue 100, which is where she went to learn about the core values and commitment for MTSU. Cadets David Constatine, Aaron Adams, Emily Bishop, and Brianna Alderson were the top 4 shooters in the Marksmanship Company Match. We participated in the Polar Plunge, which we stayed afterwards to help clean up. Cadet First Sergeant Ebram Gerges received an NROTC scholarship for 180,000.00. Our Seniors visited a Civil War Battle Study. We have had many great times and memories in ROTC and many of us can't wait until next year to see what new memories we make.
Credit to SgtMaj Clark for taking the picture
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