By Dr. Ferrell Miller
JC Breakfast Optimist Club members hosted representatives from the Junction City High School JROTC program on Wednesday.
LTC (retired) Richard Hodgson; SFC (retired) Ted Ehlers; Cadet Mahkayla Cole; Blue Jay Battalion Commander Cadet LTC Grant Shrader and SSG Jack Kalen from the Junction City High School JROTC program shared information about the high school’s Raider Team, which recently won First Place in the Raiders National Competition in Medina, Georgia.
Cadet LTC Shader explained that “there are several events in a Raiders meet. Some of the events include a 5K team obstacle course with ruck sacks; climbing over walls and through wooded areas; flipping tires and a one rope river bridge.” LTC Hodgson stated that “the cadets have to be strong physically and mentally to do well.”
SGT Ehlers, the Raiders Team Coach, told the Optimists that he “wasn’t sure what kind of Raider team he would have this year. Our numbers were down during summer training, and we were concerned about the cadet’s fitness and skill level at the beginning of the school year.” He also said that “the program is about more than competing and learning about the military, but ours is a life skills course to help students learn to be quality citizens, learn about careers and grow. That is why I do what I do as their teacher and coach”.
Cadet Cole shared that she recently applied and was selected to be a part of a choir which recently performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The participants came from all over the world. It was an amazing experience” she said.
LTC Hodgson helped the Optimist Club members understand that the JROTC program at Junction City High School encourages students to be well rounded people who will positively impact their school, community and around the world. The Optimist Club donated $200 to the JCHS JROTC program.
JC Breakfast Optimist Club members have voted to become a part of the Greater Geary Community Foundation (GGCF) By becoming a member of the GGCF, the JC Breakfast Optimist Club will participate in Match Day on October 18.
Optimists are also thankful for the community support at their fundraiser at JC’s BBQ & Grill on February 14. Ten percent of purchases at the restaurant on that day will be donated to the club and individuals also donated. The money raised will be shared with 17 Geary County youth organizations.