Graves County High School Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps female cadets this 2018-19 school year, have achieved in four key areas at levels unprecedented in the program’s six-year history, says Senior Army Instructor Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jason Caldwell.

The top two cadets in the program for the first time both are female, he explained. The Cadet Battalion Commander is Cadet Lt. Col. Torii Doran and the Deputy Cadet Battalion Commander is Cadet Maj. Abby Emerson.

 “More female Level 1 cadets have enrolled than male cadets for the first time,” Caldwell explained. “We have 30 male cadets and 32 female cadets enrolled in Level 1 classes. We have more than 60 female cadets enrolled in the program.”

Caldwell continued, “We will have more female cadets moving on after high school to serve their country than males. We currently are at six female cadets and by the time graduation in May arrives, I expect another female or two to enlist.

“For the first time ever, we have a female cadet enlisting in the Combat Arms branch of the U.S. Army. Cadet Aubrey Rains has enlisted Active Duty U.S. Army as a Calvary Scout Soldier.” He added that Cadet Belou Looper has enlisted for active duty in the U.S. Air Force, Chelsea Cherry enlisted for Active Duty U.S. Army and Kayla Stinson enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves.   

Caldwell concluded, “I am proud of all cadets, but especially proud of our female cadets this year for stepping up, taking charge and leading the way in so many areas.  I believe that females have learned over their time in JROTC that they have the same opportunities and skills as males, what we have noticed this school year is that the female cadets are more confident and have lead from the front. They have no limits!”