Springfield High School has had a rich program that has helped develop kids’ leadership skills for many years with our JROTC program. Starting back in 1984, students have been exposed to leadership opportunities and have had the chance to build, as they say, “Good Americans.” Recently, they had one of their big activities in the promotion ceremony. This is always an amazing night. Unfortunately, this year I could not make it, but ironically, I had an opportunity to reflect even more on what that program does for students.
I’m originally from a small town in West Virginia and recently had to return for my grandmother’s funeral. This happened to fall on the same weekend as the promotion ceremony. I was traveling with my parents, helping them return, and by chance, my father had a childhood friend pass away and so I was able to take him to the funeral. This friend happened to be a retired Lieutenant Colonel who had come back to his hometown to take over the JROTC program. Lieutenant Colonel Craig had a big impact on this small town. In the tributes that were shared, I was ever amazed by the impact he had on various students over his 13-year career as the leader of the JROTC program at the local high school. Tribute after tribute was posted or shared about the impact on generations of people and the community. Of course, taking all this in made me think about our own cadre at Springfield High School for our JROTC program.
Springfield High School is so lucky as First Sergeant Ricky Thomas has been there for many years and has obviously done an amazing job. Joined by Sergeant First Class Michael Blessing, the team continues to inspire young people everyday. I know the impact they are having and I wish there was some way I could constantly remind the community of what a precious gift we have in our JROTC program. To have individuals dedicated “in retirement, no less,” to work everyday sharing leadership, commitment and a host of other values that will touch future generations. I am so thankful for JROTC and for events like the promotion ceremony, where young people feel the success of being a part of something and working hard.
I want to thank all the participants in our JROTC program for their dedication to students and our community: First Sergeant Ricky Thomas and Sergeant First Class Michael Blessing, all the booster club’s leadership officers over the years and especially the students and families who have made the program a success. I truly thank you for what you do for the students of Springfield High School and for the community. In our recent promotion ceremony, many students felt the pride, commitment and love that will stay with them for many years. In the ceremony each year, it reminds us of the pride we all should have for what you all do for young people.
Those memories and those skills will stick with them for a lifetime. Congratulations to all of the students who were promoted this year and for the skills you have demonstrated that earn you that promotion.
