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Bogalusa High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) held its annual awards ceremony Thursday, April 17. They conducted their first-ever mass Oath of Enlistment ceremony, recognizing cadets who committed to military service.

The event, held at 2 p.m. in the school’s JROTC gym, was attended by family, classmates, faculty, and military officials.

“Our recruiters are heavily involved with this JROTC program, so we wanted to capture their graduation considering the number of future soldiers enlisting from this school,” said Capt. Matthew Gimenez, commander of the New Orleans Recruiting Company. “We have a little over 10% of this graduating class headed to the Army.”

According to Gimenez, Bogalusa High School has the largest group of JROTC graduates in the New Orleans Recruiting Company area.

Cadets who took the U.S. Army enlistment oath included Mylasia Keys, Rhiyanna Holloway, Rodney Gill, Tristen Joiner, Cyera Lathan, Payton Deahl, Sydney Perkins, Jaleiha Williams, and Ayanna Anderson. Tyler Williams was also sworn in and will be joining the U.S. Navy.

Williams, a cadet lieutenant colonel, said JROTC helped guide his decision. “I really wanted to do something better with my life, and JROTC informed me about the military and how amazing it can be as far as benefits and opportunities,” Williams said. “I talked to all the branches, but the Navy gave me a job I’m looking forward to—I’m going in as a combat medic.”

He said he first became interested in the program through his older brother, a former battalion commander. “I joined in eighth grade and fell in love with it. JROTC helped me grow as a person and develop time management and leadership skills,” he said. “If you’re thinking about joining, just try it. At worst, it counts as a P.E. credit. At best, it changes your life.”

Jaleiha Williams, who enlisted in the Army to become a military police officer, said her family and faith inspired her to make this decision. “Most of the men in my family are in the Armed Forces, and I’ve always imagined myself doing something like this,” she said. “I prayed on it, and I feel like God led me to the Army.”

She credited JROTC with helping her overcome a defeatist mindset. “They taught me to keep going and not give up. I learned loyalty, dedication, and perseverance,” she said. “What surprised me the most was the physical fitness. It was tough, but now I feel like I can do anything.”

In addition to the enlistment ceremony, cadets were honored with national and institutional awards. National awards were presented by organizations such as the American Legion Post 24 and Cadet Command. Institutional awards recognized academic achievement and leadership within the JROTC program, including participation in summer leadership programs such as STEM at Mississippi State University, Boys’ and Girls’ State, and the Louisiana Youth Seminar at LSU.

Senior cadets received stoles, cords, and distinguished graduate medals. Many were also awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award—bronze, silver, or gold—for completing over 100 hours of community service.

The ceremony concluded with the recognition of the incoming cadet leadership for the next school year, who were selected for their demonstrated potential and performance.

“We had an excellent turnout and are glad so many parents joined us to celebrate their cadets’ accomplishments,” said Col. Rashann Harris, senior JROTC instructor.