Cadet Huggard receives national recognition
Junior Cadet Dakota Huggard is in elite company as one of the seven winners in the National JROTC Essay Contest. Competing against over 1600 Army JROTC programs nationwide and at Department of Defense schools in Europe and the Pacific, each school selects the top essay from their cadets to submit for national review. Cadet Huggard's essay was one of the top seven brigade selected essays from all submissions - representing the top .4375% of the entire Army JROTC program.
“It is a huge honor,” shares Cadet Huggard. “I put a lot of effort, but I didn't do it by myself. It is my English teachers who helped me learn how to write a good essay and Colonel and First Sergeant for teaching me how to be a better leader.”
The focus of this year’s essay contest was the theme of “Honor, Duty, and Country.” Cadet Huggard’s essay focused on leadership and how the lessons of the JROTC had taught him to learn and lead and that success occurs with the contribution of others. Huggard serves a company leader for Echo class as well as the Raiders Captain; an after school team competition where he serves as the lead.
In recognition of the accomplishment, Cadet Huggard will travel to Washington D.C. this summer for two formal dinners with military dignitaries, visit Congressional offices, exploring acclaimed museums, and visiting Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.